University of West London School of Computing and Technology

Advanced Rich Media Assignment 1

Title Module Module Code Module Leader: Set by: Moderated by: Assignment Hand in arrangements Structure of assignment Critical analysis of a rich media user interface from the perspective of HCI
Advanced Rich Media CP70019E Dr. Samia Oussena Dr. Souleymane Camara Dr. Jose Abdelnour-nocera Assignment 1 This assignment must be handed in to the Faculty Office and all elements should be also be submitted electronically through Turn It In in Blackboard. This assignment has two elements. Each element has a specific weighting, and its own criteria. The assessments are described below. The learning outcomes of the module are assessed by a successful completion of all the elements. Element 1 Type Group usability evaluation of a website Report on design and evaluation Weighting 40%
th

Due Date Week 7 8 of November midday

60%
th

Week 7 8 of November midday

Extensions will only be granted in exceptional circumstances. Extensions will be for 10 days or less. Documentary evidence will be required. Extensions must be agreed before the deadline. Submissions up to one week late with no extension will be marked with a maximum mark of 50%.

Learning outcomes

1 2 3 4

Demonstrate a knowledge of human computer interaction and human cognition in the context of complex rich media systems Design and develop a multimedia database using object-relational concepts with an advanced user interface Evaluate user interfaces for complex multimedia and multi-person dialogues. Understand key characteristics of multimedia databases and their related meta data for establishing why rich media applications are required.

Element 1
Title Task details Group Usability Evaluation of a website (1000 words + raw data in appendix)
You will be responsible for the evaluation of a specified web site (see Appendix). You should become familiar with the web site. This evaluation will be done using a usability evaluation protocol involving users, e.g. think aloud, cooperative ,You will need to : Carry out the evaluation in a reliable and valid fashion following the relevant template. Refer to HCI concepts and principles as you see appropriate. For at least one instance of usability issues found, sketch a possible redesign solution at user interface level. Justify why it is good design in HCI terms.

Marking Guide

Criteria

Issues

Mark

Marking breakdown where appropriate Number of users (at least 5) (6) Quality of materials and evaluation protocol followed (8)

Method

Have you executed the user evaluation on valid and reliable fashion?

14

Argument

Have you identified several usability issues and examples of good HCI design? Data Richness Total

16

Quantity and quality of references (8) Quality of Discussion (8)

Data

10 40

Quantitative (5) Qualitative (5)

Element 2
Title Task details

Individual Report on design and evaluation (1300 words)

You are required to prepare an individual report of your interpretation of the results of the usability evaluation (element 1) in terms of one of the modules HCI topics as listed below: Topics Theories of the user cognitive dimensions, tasks, mental models, profiles and persona. Theories of social systems cultural dimensions, models of small groups and organisations Theories of computer-human machine fit, interaction and adaptive systems Theories of design: metaphor, interaction, rational, dialogue genre

Your interpretation of results must include HCI concepts used in research papers relating to your chosen topic. These papers must be cited following the Harvard style. This interpretation will contain recommendations for redesign, which should be illustrated in your report, i.e. low-fidelity prototype. In summary, the final individual report should comprise: A review of the effectiveness of the evaluation approach whether it was appropriate for rich media application, its strengths and weaknesses Persona or user profile of those involved in the evaluation. Improvements of the design that you would recommend based on the evaluation results ( raw data to be included in the appendix) A summary of your conclusions about the evaluation and improvements to the design A list of references in Harvard style.

Marking Guide

Criteria

Issues

Mark

Marking breakdown where appropriate Review of method 5 Rich media link 5 Strengths & weaknesses of method 5

Method

Review of the evaluation method. Is the method appropriate for rich media application? Are these appropriate for the user profiles involved? Was the method applied correctly? What are the limitations/pitfalls of the method(s) used? Have explored and provided a rationale for applying the method(s) selected? Have you identified relevant research papers (at least one)?

15

Argument

25

Quality of key reference 5 Quality of citation references 5

Have you provided appropriate discussion in the context of relevant literature and HCI theories? Interpretation Do you demonstrate the ability to understand and describe aspects of the HCI topic and link it to the evaluation results? Are your conclusions justified? Total 20

Relevance & discussion 15

Interpretation of results 10 Link to HCI theory 10

60

Grade descriptors
In addition to the assessment criteria above the following table may assist you in understanding how we arrive at your final mark. Indeed your final mark should agree with the following grade descriptors, but note that the assessment criteria are the main means of assessment. Mark 0-39% Descriptor Limited conceptual understanding with possible interpretation deficiencies. Restricted use of literature and inadequate referencing. Inappropriate argument leading to unreliable and invalid conclusions/recommendations Some confusion in purpose & aims of evaluation. Some overall structure and conceptual understanding. Fair use of literature and referencing but arguments sometimes irrelevant, illogical or with unsupported assertions. Demonstrates a limited but accurate level of understanding design presented in a basic manner. The answer contains relevant interpretation and critical understanding especially at the upper end of the marking range. Demonstrates accurate knowledge and understanding of the subject presented in a coherent manner. The answer contains evidence of application and interpretation. At the upper end there is evidence of thoughtful and measured critical evaluation. Demonstrates a clear, comprehensively researched understanding of relevant material with some element of critical evaluation. Shows initiative in approach and rigour in the handling of information. Demonstrates originality of thought together with interpretation and application to the relevant sector The answer is analytical and critical. The assignment demonstrates scholarship through a depth of insight and understanding of relevant material, which is logically structured, accurate and well referenced. Originality of thought and application is evident.

40-49%

50-59%

60-69%

70-79%

80% or above

Appendix

Scenario: DrThom the UKs leading online Doctor service from Lloyds Pharmacy
Background DrThom is an online service which helps people avoid seeing a doctor face-to-face by offering safe, confidential diagnosis and delivery of prescription medicines. We operate 12 websites, including www.drthom.com http://onlinedoctor.lloydspharmacy.com

Over 500,000 patients so far have discovered that they can access contraception, cystitis treatments, medications for erectile dysfunction and hair loss, malaria tablets and home tests for a variety of STIs online, and have them delivered safely to their home or their nearest Lloydspharmacy for pickup. Our patients love us because we are discreet, efficient and responsive and by using us, they dont have to interrupt their busy lives to go to the doctor, or announce what they need in a crowded local pharmacy. Were owned by Lloydspharmacy and registered with the Care Quality Commission, which is the body that regulates all private and NHS healthcare providers in the UK so our patients know they are getting top quality, safe, confidential care. What We Want From You Given our current success and growing customer base, we feel the need to improve our websites to meet the demand of our customers and future-proof our relations with them. We also aim to significantly improve our revenues by promoting our services and making sure our websites address customers needs, entice them and provide seamless journeys to their visits and transactions. Your task will be to help us identify key usability and user experience issues with our websites as well as providing some design recommendations/solutions to address those issues. Tell us based on evidence and your expert review: What work well and we should keep doing What doesnt work and need improving How to improve Thank you for your help. DrThom