Cognitive Human Factors

Instructor

Ken Douros

Understanding product & service requirements from an end-user / consumer perspective is necessary in order for companies to compete in a modern marketplace. In order to obtain these user insights, it is necessary to begin with a thorough understanding of human behavioral, cognitive & emotional capabilities & responses. This knowledge must be applied to research prior to the design phase to uncover the unarticulated needs and tacit knowledge that drive patterns of behavior and values.

This course will focus on understanding the delicate balance between the end user & their goals, their associated tasks and the environmental context in which they operate. Design that is driven by consumer needs ensures greater product acceptance and longevity. Companies that fail to adequately understand and address user needs typically develop products that are less desirable, less usable, frequently unsafe and ultimately discarded in favor of those products which more precisely meet the end users’ needs.

Format & Grading

Classes are conducted as lectures, discussions, individual and group assignments. Illustrative readings and journal articles will be distributed and discussed each week and expanded upon with related information presented during each class. Emphasis is placed on understanding the application of behavioral & cognitive models and user-centered design & evaluation techniques to applications in real-world environments. Portions of each class will be spent discussing practical techniques as necessary. The final class will be dedicated to a final examination of application of techniques presented in lecture and readings.

20% In-class Performance & Participation
40% Homework Assignments
40% Final Exam

Late assignments will be accepted but will be reduced by one letter grade.