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Class schedule
Fridays, 10am - 12:15pm (unless rescheduled)
Lecture 1 - Introduction (What is Good Design?)
22 August 2025 · 10:00am
Lecture 2 - ... · Grading Note does not exist
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Subject Code: UCD & UX 1 Course Title: Ergonomics: Physical and Cognitive August to December 2025
Course Objective: Understand, apply, identify, design, and integrate ergonomic principles (physical and cognitive) for digital products, minimizing discomfort, cognitive overload, and ensuring accessibility.
Semester: 3rd
Key Areas Covered:
Introduction to Ergonomics & Human Factors: Definition of ergonomics, human factors, and human-system interaction; importance in digital product design.
Physical Ergonomics: Anthropometry, biomechanics, and their application in designing devices, workstations, and physical interfaces; minimizing physical strain and promoting comfort.
Cognitive Ergonomics: Human perception, attention, memory, mental models, and cognitive load; designing interfaces to reduce mental effort and improve comprehension.
Interaction Design Laws & Principles: Relevant laws (e.g., Fitts's Law, Hick's Law) and Gestalt principles applied to ergonomic UI design; feedback mechanisms and effective error handling.
Designing for Diverse Abilities (Accessibility): Principles of inclusive design, WCAG guidelines, and considerations for users with various physical and cognitive impairments.
Sample Assignments
Ergonomics Audit: Conduct a physical and cognitive ergonomics audit of a mobile app feature or a public utility service (e.g., self-checkout kiosk), identifying issues and proposing improvements.
Phygital Ergonomics Redesign: Analyze a physical-digital interaction (e.g., interactive museum exhibit, smart home device) and propose a redesign to enhance ergonomic comfort and cognitive flow.
Accessible UI Redesign: Redesign a digital interface (e.g., a public utility service) specifically for users with a particular vision or motor impairment, justifying design choices based on accessibility guidelines.
Detailed Structure
Introduction
Good and bad design Form and function Ergonomics
Why should things be efficient?
- Are we designing for comfort only, or for meaningful interaction?
- Microwave meal vs home cooked meal