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)