Description of the course
The course familiarizes students with the design of interactive interfaces between user and software, fundamentals of interface and application design and analysis of development trends in the field of interactive interface design. The course includes both a theoretical and a practical component. More specifically, the course aims at equipping learners with basic knowledge in the field of interactive interface design between users and software. Help learners apply and practice knowledge gained through specific exercises, projects, and products.
Description of the participants
This is an obligatory course for students in the 3rd year of studies. The course was attended by 110 students in semester 2 of the 2021 – 2022 academic year.
Description of gamified design thinking activities
Activities were organized in the following steps.
Step 1. Problem definition.
Students were challenged to design a software user interface with broad accessibility.
Step 2. Empathy.
Students were encouraged to do research to understand the difficulties faced by disabled individuals when using a website. For example, how difficult is it for a color-blind person to identify an item in the desired color when shopping on-line. Students interviewed individuals with disabilities to better understand difficulties they encounter in everyday activities.
Step 3. Ideation.
Students brainstormed listing numerous ideas towards enhancing accessibility for all to a software service.
Step 4. Prototyping.
Students used Adobe XD® or Figma® to visually present a prototype which demonstrated their ideas for enhancing accessibility for disabled individuals.
Step 5. Evaluation and refinement.
Students gave access to the prototype to characteristic users, asking them to use it and provide feedback based on which they refined their design.
