ID 6515

Interface Prototyping

Embedded displays with touchscreen interfaces are more prevalent in a wide range of products. Cell phones, copiers, cars and even home appliances such as ovens, microwaves and fridges are now designed with touchscreen interfaces. Depending on the thought and design that went into the interface, interacting with one of these products can either be a pleasant experience or rather frustrating, leading to mistakes or avoidance.

This course helps students understand the concepts and theories in interface design and how prototypes can be used to test and evaluate a design. Like a physical prototype within the traditional product design process, interface prototypes provide a valuable tool to the development of the interface displays. A prototype provides the critical feedback from users, thus validating concepts and theories used in a design or indentifying areas of further development or redesign.

Interface prototypes are also being used in other important ways in the design process. They serve as a way to document the graphic and interaction design of an interface. Programmers and engineers no longer have to look at a graphic file or flowchart but can experience the real “look & feel” of the interface through the prototype. Interface prototypes can also be used as a marketing tool, allowing an interactive kiosk or display to be setup on showroom floor. Consumers can experience the interface or product before purchasing it.

Through a series of lectures on UI concepts and theories, and hands-on assignments, students will have the opportunity to design, develop and prototype a new range of devices that will be capable of wireless communication and interaction with the world around us. You will learn about the wide variety of prototypes available, the pro/cons of each kind and how to quickly and effectively create the different kinds of prototypes.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to demonstrate knowledge, skill and abilities in the following areas:

• Understand the different kinds of interface prototypes that can be created
• Understand how an interface prototype fits into the design process
• Learn the different tools and theories that can be used to create an interface prototype
• Demonstrate how to create different kinds of interface prototypes on real and demonstration hardware (iPhone, iPad, etc)

Prerequisites

Strong graphics and 3D experience along with some programming experience

Course Materials

Required Text: The UX Book: Process and Guidelines for Ensuring a Quality User Experience. Morgan Kaufmann, 2012 (ISBN-13: 978-0123852410)
Links: UX Books Website with a link to Amazon – www.theuxbook.net

Class Time & Location

12:05 – 1:25 pm, Tuesday & Thursday
Room 358, New Architecture Building