FIT3175 Usability
Faculty of Information Technology
FIT3175 Usability is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Information Technology, offered in 2026 in Semester 1 and Summer B at Clayton and Malaysia. It needs FIT1045, FIT2085, FIT1053, FIT1051 or FIT1048.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 1, Summer B
- Clayton, Malaysia
- Assessment
- No exam
- 5 tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before FIT3175
Prerequisites
Pass these before you enrol.
Prohibitions
You can't enrol if you have passed any of these.
After FIT3175
No unit lists FIT3175 as a prerequisite in the 2026 handbook.
Equivalent units
The same content under another code. Only one of them counts.
Overview
This unit explores the underpinning theories, principles and practices of interface design to achieve usable computer-based systems. It examines issues in the design of system interfaces from a number of perspectives: user, programmer, designer. It explores the application of the relevant theories in practice. The unit will cover topics such as methods and tools for developing effective user interfaces, evaluation methods such as the conduct of usability and heuristic evaluations, design of appropriate interface elements including the design of menus and other interaction styles. The unit will also focus on designing for a diverse range of users and environments.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | Flexible |
| Summer semester B | Clayton | On campus |
| Summer semester B | Malaysia | On campus |
Assessment
- Data gathering and user analysis reportProject25%
- Low-level prototyping reportProject25%
- High-fidelity prototyping and evaluation reportProject30%
- Presentation10%
- In-class assessmentsExercise10%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Explain the theories and principles of usability as applied to interface and interaction design;
- 2
Apply usability principles to the design of interfaces for Web, small screen and mobile devices;
- 3
Design an interface for user diversity and accessibility;
- 4
Employ user-centred design;
- 5
Evaluate an interface and interaction design.
Workload and teaching
- Seminars24 hours
- Applied sessions22 hours
- Applied sessions24 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled online and face to face learning activities and independent study. Independent study may include associated reading and preparation for scheduled teaching activities.
Applied sessions are scheduled from week 2 to week 12, except for Summer offerings where they start from week 1.
Learning resources
Required resources
Pre-reading materials as well as other relevant study materials are provided on Moodle. You must regularly check Moodle for announcements and updates. Computer labs contain the necessary software for your use.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Mr William Lay
- Dr Swamy Ananthanarayan
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Muhammad Fermi Pasha
- Ms Arini Widhiasi
- Mr William Lay
- Rob Teather
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for FIT3175?
You need FIT1045, FIT2085, FIT1053, FIT1051 or FIT1048 before you enrol.
When is FIT3175 offered?
In 2026, FIT3175 runs in Semester 1 and Summer B at Clayton and Malaysia.
How much work is FIT3175?
The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does FIT3175 have an exam?
No. FIT3175 has 5 assessment tasks and no exam.