Entry requirements
Only open to Master students specialisation Applied Cognitive Psychology.
Description
New technologies provide the means to build wonderful interactive software products to shape the world to our needs. However, if not designed well, they can be a source of frustration and annoyance. Knowledge of human factors (e.g. human performance, ergonomic design, and aesthetics) is crucial to make the right design decisions.
This course provides an overview of cognitive issues involved in designing, using and evaluating interactive software products. Recent approaches in the academic field of Human Computer Interaction are discussed.
In addition, students are familiarized with the role of (cognitive) psychologists in the user centered design process and the practical field of user experience consultancy in commercial settings. The course features guest speakers sharing their expertise, and field trips to state of the art usability labs. In practical assignments students act as user experience consultants and evaluate the usability of commercial websites, in collaboration with major ICT companies.
Course objectives
Students learn to apply their (cognitive) psychological knowledge to understand and improve the user experience of websites and other software products.
Students gain knowledge of research in Human Computer Interaction
Students acquire a practical skill set for analysing websites and software.
Students are familiarized with the practical field of user experience consultancy and the career opportunities for (cognitive) psychologists in software development.
Timetable
For the timetable of this course please refer to MyTimetable
Registration
Education
Students must register themselves for all course components (lectures, tutorials and practicals) they wish to follow. You can register up to 5 days prior to the start of the course.
Exams
It is mandatory for all students to register for each exam and to confirm registration for each exam in My Studymap. This is possible up to and including 10 calendar days prior to the examination. You cannot take an exam without a valid pre-registration and confirmation in My Studymap. Carefully read all information about the procedures and deadlines for registering for courses and exams.
Exchange students and external guest students will be informed by the education administration about the current registration procedure.
Mode of instruction
10 Lectures/seminars (mandatory), 4 lab sessions (optional)
Student assignments
Practical exercises
Assessment method
Active participation, project reports.
The Institute of Psychology follows the policy of the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences to systematically check student papers for plagiarism with the help of software. Disciplinary measures will be taken when fraud is detected. Students are expected to be familiar with and understand the implications of this fraud policy.
Reading list
Course lecture sheets, papers
Contact information
Dr. Pascal Haazebroek phaazebroek@fsw.leidenuniv.nl