ICS 419: The Science, Psychology and Philosophy of Systems Design

Description: Scientific, psychological and philosophical bases of systems design, including a survey of human-factors and ergonomic standards; the nature of innovation and creativity as it relates to systems design. Web-enhanced course.

Objectives

• Students can apply top-down and bottom-up design principles.
• Students can evaluate the quality of designed artifacts.
• Students can apply human-computer interaction principles to design.

Course Learning Outcomes: See objectives.

Program Learning Outcomes

• a. Students can apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline
• b. Students can analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution
• e. Students have an understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues and responsibilities
• f. Students can communicate effectively with a range of audiences
• g. Students can analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations, and society
• i. Students can use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice

Prerequisites: two ICS 300-level courses with grade of B or better, or consent.

Textbook(s): Norman, The Design of Everyday Things, 1988-2002

Grading: Final exam (10%) Homework (60%) Final project (30%)

Schedule: Topics are blended throughout the course. Here is the rough amount of time spent on each topic:

• Introduction to system design (2 weeks)
• Top-down design thinking (3 weeks)
• Principles of industrial design (2 weeks)
• Bottom up design (2 weeks)
• Human-computer interaction (3 weeks)
• Ergonomics (2 weeks)
• Review and project presentations (2 weeks)