Scott Grissom
School of Computing & Info Systems
Grand Valley State University		 picture

Welcome

Welcome to Usability Design and Evaluation. Usability is my area of expertise so I am particularly excited about offering this course. We will learn a structured approach to developing applications that are intuitive and pleasurable for the typical user.

Course Description

The usability engineering design cycle. Discount usability evaluation techniques. GUI development using Java and other technologies. Technical communication skills. Prerequisite: CS 163 Computer Science II and CS or IS major standing.

Schedule

MWF 3:00 in MAK 1041

Refer to our course web site on a regular basis for assignments, information, and changes to the schedule: www.csis.gvsu.edu/~grissom/368

Professor

Scott Grissom
331-2088, office MAK 2212
grissom@gvsu.edu
Office hours: M 10-11, W 11-12, Th 10-11, F 12-1

Required Text

Leventhal & Barnes .Usability Engineering , Pearson - Prentice Hall, 2008.

In addition, you are expected to register for the Alertbox newsletter about usability at useit.com

Grading

I use the standard grading scale (80 - 83 B-, 83 - 87 B, 87 - 90 B+).

Usability Story (5%)

Classroom Activities (15%)

Semester Project (35%)

Rapid Prototypes (2 @ 15% each)

Final Exam (15%)

Objectives

This course will help you:

  • implement user interfaces on a variety of platforms
  • notice the usability of everyday things
  • practice user centered design principles
  • evaluate the usability of computer systems
  • conduct a usability test
  • communicate in a professional manner

Assignments

You will need to start early and budget sufficient time to complete each assignment. Assignments are due at the BEGINNING of class on the due date. A 10% late penalty is imposed for each week day until the assignment is submitted.

While a certain amount of consultation between students in working on a project is encouraged, the work you submit must be your own. Do not create a difficult situation by representing someone else's work as your own. For more information, consult the University Catalog, the Student Code, and the CS&IS Guidelines for Academic Honesty.

Expectations:

You are paying good money to take this course. Therefore, you can expect the following from me:

  • I will always start and stop class on time.
  • I will always return graded assignments promptly.
  • I will try to make this the best college course you have ever had.


In return, I expect the following from you also:

  • to be on time and prepared to participate fully in class activities.
  • refer to our web site on a regular basis.
  • be responsible for all information during days you miss.
  • to follow the CS&IS Guidelines for Academic Honesty.

Evacuation Plan

If there is any student in this class who has special needs because of learning, physical or other disability, please contact me and Disability Support Services (DSS) at 616.331.2490. Furthermore, if you have a disability and think you will need assistance evacuating this classroom and/or building in an emergency situation, please make me aware so I can develop a plan to assist you.