COIS 12036 Human Computer Interaction (HCI) Project B (Term 2 – 2014)

Total marks: 45 marks

Project B: Task

The overall task is divided into two project phases (i.e. two separate, but related projects). It is strongly advised that you read the following project description in conjunction with the description for Project A.

You are to complete the following task in the order given:

• Develop high-fidelity prototype. Based on the user test feedback and recommendations that you proposed in the previous phase (Project A), develop a high-fidelity prototype (i.e. reasonably complete version) for Global Toys website. Use any combination of HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript feature for this prototype. Remember to indicate which browser (i.e. IE, Firefox, Safari, Chrome, etc.) you are targeting as the main working platform. For the purpose of this project, please exclude mobile devices that runs on fragmented or closed-system technology, such as Android, Apple iOS and Nook. Do not use Rapid Application Prototyping (RAD) tools or any other type of scripting languages or services, eg. Python, Lua, AJAX, Dreamweaver, etc. You are required to demonstrate your knowledge of HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript independently and without the assistance of automated development and visual design tools.

• Carry out user acceptance test. Devise three walkthrough scenarios. The scenarios should be sufficiently complex to test the features and functionality of your website. Example of a Scenario: Customer initiates session, clicks on Lego Models room, looks up two different Lego models, exits and clicks on Board Games room and looks up four different toys. Then decides to look up the opening hours. Then goes back to Lego Models room and looks up the images of three more toys. Then finally exits. Invite 3 to 4 potential users (i.e. the same group of users from the previous test is acceptable) to play the role of users. Ask each of the users to perform all the walkthroughs you have devised. Apply appropriate techniques to determine how the website performs under these test conditions. Systematically collect data on the user performance. For example, how long did each of the users take to complete each of the scenarios? Did the users find the interface easy or challenging to use? Does the interface allow users to change their minds? Etc. Refer to your textbook for more detailed and appropriate parameters that suits your requirements.
• Indentify features. Identify any one or two features of the website that you think deserves particular attention. An example of a feature is, draw attention to interface design elements that are particularly innovative, e.g. visitors can call up a mini navigational ‘menu bar’ from any page.

• Recommendation. From the outcome of the user acceptance test, provide recommendations on how the high-fidelity prototype can be improved. Assertions made in your recommendation need to be supported by the test results you have carried out earlier.

• Write a report. Produce a report to document the tasks and the outcome of your efforts undertaken for Project B. Remember, this report is intended for your employers. You need to document and support the viability of your website – that is, to convince your employer that your webpage is performing as intended.

Format of Report

For the purpose of this project you are assumed to be a professional. As such, you should attempt at your best to reflect this quality in the preparation of the report. As a minimum, the report should contain the following:

(1) Introduction – State the purpose and objectives of the report.
(2) Content – This is the main section where you should document your activities. You should document the design principles you have adhered to in the development of your website. You need to show the relationship of the interface design principles relating to your webpage.
(3) User acceptance test. Do not include raw or unprocessed data. Summarise your findings. Include only the analysis, evaluation, summarization and outcome of the acceptance test here. If you really need to include critical or important raw data, then do so by appending them to an appendix at the end of the report. Keep a record of your raw data. If required, your instructor or marker may request that you provide them with a copy.
(4) Features.
(5) Recommendation.
(6) Conclusion – This is basically a summation, consolidating the main points of the report.
(7) There is no minimum or maximum limit to the number of words required in this report. However, the length of your report must be within reason and of adequate length to succinctly support the complete account of tasks you have undertaken.
(8) Figures or diagrams can be added as required.

Page formatting: A4 size paper, 2.5cm margins on all sides, single-sided, Time Romans or New Time Romans font, 12pt font size, DOC or DOCX format.

Learning Objective

Note that these are not programming project in themselves. The primary purpose of both Project A and Project B is to ensure that students adopt best practice and adhere closely to HCI principles during the process of designing and developing the interactive user interfaces. Full functionality is not expected from either Project A or Project B. For example, knowledge of database backend servers and web servers are not required in this course.

PLAGIARISM
CQUniversity regards plagiarism as a serious offence and it can have serious consequences for you as a student. To understand and avoid plagiarism, please read the policies indicated in the following website.

Read more:
http://www.cqu.edu.au/about-us/service-and facilities/referencing/what-is-plagarism

What to Submit

You should submit two items for assessment. These are:

1. All necessary files, images, scripts, coding and resources should reside in a single main folder. The report should be separated from this folder (see item 2 below). It is up to you to organise the files and sub-folders within the main folder. Ensure that all your scripts and coding is stand-alone and portable. That is, your marker or instructor should be able to run your scripts from the type of browser you have specified by clicking on the main.html or main.htm startup file. Use only HTML5, CSS3 or JavaScript to develop your website. The web browser you specified should render your markup and scripts without problems.
2. The report should be named REPORT_B and saved as a single file in DOC or DOCX format. This file should be located outside the code folder.

Copy item 1 and 2 items into a single PROJECT_B.ZIP file. Submit this single ZIP file through your course website submission portal.

Assessment Criteria

The following criteria will be used to assess your assignment:

Criteria Marks

Task as documented in report:
• Overview and description. (2 marks)
• User acceptance test are appropriate and sufficiently in-depth. (3 marks) o Walkthrough scenarios are appropriate and sufficiently complex. (1 mark)
Results for performance of the webpage. (3 marks) o Results for the test user performance. (3 marks) o Evidence that this task have been carried out with users. E.g. analysis and evaluation of data are presented, etc. (3 marks)

• Features. ( 3 marks) o Evidence that features works as described. o Innovative.

• Recommendation. (3 marks) 21

High-fidelity prototype:
• Interface adheres to HCI principles in does not break major HCI rules. (3 marks)
• The prototype sufficiently demonstrates the functionality of the webpage and its intended purpose. (3 marks)
• The final prototype sufficiently demonstrate the developer’s skills in web development tools (i.e. HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript). (4 marks)
• Final usability and expert review. The instructor and/or marker will carry out a final usability and expert review of the website based on:
o Overall interface design, e.g. interaction experience, the design is appropriate for intended users, and use of good metaphors. (3 marks)
o Aesthetics, innovation, creativity, impression etc. (2 marks) o Walkthrough based on the walkthrough scenario you devised. (3 marks)
o Expert walkthrough. (2 marks) 20

Presentation:
• Report professionally presented. (1 mark)
• Grammar and spelling. (1 mark)
• Written style and expression. (1 mark)
• Overall presentation. (1 mark) 4
Total marks for Project B:
45
Marker’s Guideline

• To obtain 76-100% of the marks allocated for a specific section of the assessment, the student’s work is expected to demonstrate a very high level of knowledge and understanding of concepts, facts and procedures, and application of knowledge within the scope of the course.

• To obtain 51-75% of the marks allocated for a specific section of the assessment, the student’s work typically demonstrate a high level of knowledge and understanding of concepts, facts and procedures, and application of knowledge within the scope of the course.

• To obtain 26-50% of the marks allocated for a specific section of the assessment, the student’s work typically demonstrate a sound level of knowledge and understanding of concepts, facts and procedures, and application of knowledge within the scope of the course.

• To obtain 1-25% of the marks allocated for a specific section of the assessment, the student’s work typically demonstrate a limited level of knowledge and understanding of concepts, facts and procedures, and application of knowledge within the scope of the course.

• 0 marks will be allocated for a specific section of the assessment, where an erroneous or no attempt has been made by the student.