SPSU Programs in Usability
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We specialize in hands-on applications of research to develop the essential skills of problem-solving and the critical thinking skills most in demand in business and industry. Because SPSU's programs offer our students a wide variety of options that are difficult to find at other institutions, our graduates have a competitive edge.
Working in a state-of-the-art facility, such as our usability lab, students learn to solve practical problems through facilitation and collaboration with experienced faculty who conduct valuable research employing leading-edge software and hardware.
Southern Polytechnic State University offers the following courses related to usability, cognitive theory, and interface design:
- User Centered Design
- User Interaction Engineering
- Usability Testing and Research
- User Interface Design and Implementation
- Human Factors
Undergraduate Courses
Usability Testing, TCOM 4120
A study of the relevant research and practical application of usability testing as part of product development. The course includes strategies for planning, conducting, and analyzing a test. Teams perform tests and report results from an actual test in the usability lab.
User Centered Design, SWE 4324
This course presents the fundamental knowledge, processes, skills, and practices leading to the user-centered design of computer systems and applications.
It also addresses the effectiveness of human interactions with computers by examining issues of physical ergonomics, cognition and perception, human memory and information processing, and evaluation of prototype software in a Usability Lab. Usability engineering techniques are covered leading to improved system effectiveness in supporting use of computers, user learning, diversity in interaction styles, and individual versus group work.
User Interaction Engineering, SWE 4783
This course follows a complete software-engineering cycle to produce software objects that support users in effective, efficient, and enjoyable interactions with computers.
The course also incorporates concepts and methods including ethnographic and user analysis; cognitive ergonomics; usability metrics and criteria; software-engineering practices, conventions, standards, and documentation; device-user action mapping; person-system function allocation; quality management systems; conceptual prototyping; embedded systems in support of ubiquitous computing; and function-behavior analysis.
Return to TopGraduate Courses
Usability Testing, IDC 6120
A study of the relevant research and practical application of usability testing as part of product development. The course includes strategies for planning, conducting, and analyzing a test. Teams perform tests and report results from an actual test in the usability lab.
Human Factors for Quality Assurance, MSQA 6722
A comprehensive survey of human factors theory, research, and applications which are of particular relevance to quality assurance. Emphasis will be placed on operator constraints in the design of work processes, workplaces, and instrumentation. QA 6600 or QA 6602 are prerequisites for this course.
User Interface Design and Implementation, SWE 6343
This course covers the major frameworks, methods, and approaches to designing, engineering, implementing, and testing user interfaces. It addresses user and usability requirements gathering, task analysis, user-interface design, coding of the user interface, and evaluation with respect to requirements and the users' tasks.
Human Factors, CS 6323
This course covers psychological, social, and technical aspects of interaction between humans and computers. It includes usability considerations, cognitive and perceptual issues, human information processing, and software development techniques for producing appropriate systems. A major project is included.
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