Each student is required to complete three course assignments. Completing an assignment includes participation in the discussion in class.
1. Observation (individual)
-- observe a person or persons using a technology (in a broad sense, such as a computer, software application, website, MP3 player, mobile phone, ATM, and so forth), for about 30 minutes;
-- imagine that the specific technology in question is not familiar to you (but you are familiar with somewhat similar technology);
-- make a list of 5 most interesting (intriguing, surpising, informative, etc) things that you observed;
-- write an essay (1000 words minimum) including (a) a description of what the person(s) was (were) doing, (b) the list of 5 interesting observations, (c) reflections on the use of technology, problems experienced by users, and possibilities for improveming the technology, (d) reflections about observation as a data collection technique: its advantages and disadvantages, the problems you experienced when applying it, and (e) anything else you think would be interesting to mention.
2. Personas (group)
-- Select an appropriate object of study.
-- Apply Personas to the selected object.
-- Formulate your ideas, criticisms, and design suggestions
-- Reflect on the methods you use.
-- Provide a written account (ca. 1000 words).
3. Work models of contextual design (group)
-- Select an appropriate object of study (a place, environment, or small organization).
-- Make sure you have sufficient understanding of the object of study
-- Create a "Flow" model of the selected object.
-- Formulate your ideas, criticisms, and design suggestions
-- Reflect on the method you use.
-- Provide a written account (ca. 1500 words).