UnitLevel 3Undergraduate

FZA3175 Usability

Faculty of Information Technology

FZA3175 Usability is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Information Technology, offered in 2022 in Semester 2 at South Africa. It needs FIT1051, FIT1045, FIT1053, FZA1051 or FIT1048.

Credit points
6
Offered in 2022
Semester 2
South Africa
Assessment
Exam 50%
and 2 other tasks
Workload
144 hours
per semester

The 2027 handbook has no page for FZA3175. This is its 2022 entry, the latest one.

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Requisites

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 2022

Teaching periodCampusMode
Second semester - South AfricaSouth AfricaOn campus

Assessment

  • Active Learning and Peer Learning ComponentsOtherThreshold hurdle
    15%
  • User Interface Design and EvaluationOtherThreshold hurdle
    35%
  • Examination (2 hours and 10 minutes)ExamThreshold hurdle
    50%

Learning outcomes

When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

  1. 1

    Explain the theories and principles of usability as applied to interface and interaction design;

  2. 2

    Apply usability principles to the design of interfaces for Web, small screen and mobile devices;

  3. 3

    Design an interface for user diversity and accessibility;

  4. 4

    Employ user-centred design;

  5. 5

    Evaluate an interface and interaction design.

Workload and teaching

  • Lectures24 hours
  • Tutorials24 hours
  • Teaching approachPeer assisted learning
  • Teaching approachProblem-based learning
  • 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 activities. The unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning and online engagement.

Contacts

Chief Examiners
Ms Yolanda Kanyama

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for FZA3175?

You need FIT1051, FIT1045, FIT1053, FZA1051 or FIT1048 before you enrol. Enrolment rules also apply.

When is FZA3175 offered?

In 2022, FZA3175 runs in Semester 2 at South Africa.

How much work is FZA3175?

The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.

Does FZA3175 have an exam?

Yes. The exam is worth 50% of the final mark, alongside 2 other tasks.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
3
Study level
Undergraduate
Faculty
Faculty of Information Technology
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.125
Student contribution
SCA Band 2
Study abroad
Not available
Handbook years
202020212022