PSY 341K (43930) --- Psychology of Design-W
T, Th 3:30-5:00 PM, RLM 5.126
Spring 2010 Syllabus
homepage: http://love.psy.utexas.edu/design/
Click here for a week by week class schedule.
Who Office Office Hours email
Bradley Love SEA 5.202 TBA
love@psy.utexas.edu
Marc Tomlinson SEA 5.108 TBA
marctomlinson@mail.utexas.edu
General Course Description:
Here's the official description: Do you often find yourself fighting with the controls on your cell phone, computer, mp3 player, car, stove, adjustable chair, etc.? Do you ever wonder why so many accidents are caused by "human error"? Perhaps part of the problem is attributable to poor product design that does not respect what we know about human cognition. In this course, we will ponder such issues in the context of readings about product design and basic cognitive psychology. From the perspective of human-centered design, we will consider what makes for good and poor products.
In reality, we can tweak the focus of the class to the instructor and students' interests. For example, if a student is very interested in the design of spaces (e.g., parks, shops, museums) and are proactive in helping to find suitable sources for the class, then we can consider that topic. However, the focus of this course will involve discussion of methods and results that can be empirically verified (i.e., science!). That said, there might be established ways of doings things in the design world that have never been formally evaluated, but nevertheless have stood the test of time and are highly likely to be valid. In these cases, we can run the course in the reverse direction and look for the psychology findings that are consistent with the design principle.
Format of Classes:
Class will be discussion oriented. As in most seminars, class participation is important. Students are expected to do the readings before each class and to come prepared to talk about issues related to those readings. Often, a designated student will lead discussion for a particular article. Students will bring two copies of due assignments to class so that the instructor can use the students' responses to help direct discussion (and the students can draw on their own work).
For sake of us all, please don't make me lecture! I will usually start off class with some comments and perhaps powerpoint slides, but the hope is that discussion will take over after ten minutes of framing. Of course, the instructor and TA will help guide the discussion.
Requirements:
Each class (see schedule below), students will be graded on classroom participation and presentations (33.3%), short weekly writing assignments (33.3%), a ten page final project write-up and presentation (33.3%). Students will get feedback every few weeks about what percentage of their grade specific assignments comprise so that they know where they stand in the course. Because the structure of the course is somewhat flexible and dependent on students' interests, the exact number and nature of assignments cannot be specified at this time. Students who are engaged in class and complete their assignments on time will likely do well in the class.
Participation grades are calculated as objectively as possible with Marc, the TA, tabulating during class. The logic of class participation is that walking into class starts you at an A-/B+. Making apropos comments moves one to an A. Not making comments moves one to a C. Not showing up results in an F. We will drop the lowest two class grades.
Written assignments are graded as 1, 2, or 3. 1 is a C, a 2 is an A-/B+, and a 3 is an A. Not turning in the assignment is an F. We will drop the lowest two grades.
Another requirement of class is to check your email somewhat frequently for course announcements. Here are some official notices.
Textbook
The Design of Everyday Things by Donald Norman (ISBN 0385267746)
I believe the Psychology of Everyday Things is identical, but in hardback.
Additional Materials
Every week there will be additional readings. These readings will be available online as pdf files.
Class Schedule
Date Readings Due Assignment Due
January 19 Welcome, slides Buy the Norman book
January 21 Brad A. Myers, "Challenges of HCI Design and Implementation"
Designing a good toothbrush assignment
