Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years (1.8.2018-31.7.2020), which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
After the course, you know the basic methods for user research.
You understand and can describe different methods for use in the beginning of the user-centered design process and select appropriate methods for a given user research problem. You know how to apply a number of methods in a simple user research case.
You will be able to find and analyze relevant new information in the field and concisely present research results to an audience. You are comfortable with reading academic articles and will be able to write and reference an academically paper properly.
Credits: 5
Schedule: 07.09.2020 - 09.12.2020
Teacher in charge (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022): Marko Nieminen, Mika Nieminen
Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Marko Nieminen, Mika Nieminen
Contact information for the course (valid 14.08.2020-21.12.2112):
Course staff can be contacted using email cs-e4900@aalto.fi
The responsible teacher can be reached with mika.nieminen@aalto.fi
CEFR level (applies in this implementation):
Language of instruction and studies (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022):
Teaching language: English
Languages of study attainment: English
CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD
Content
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
The course introduces the commonly used user-centred user research methods for early stage product and service design, and provides tools to analyze and visualize the gathered data to fuel product and service design.
Applies in this implementation:
For autumn 2020 the course will be given as a fully online course. Some parts of the group assignment may benefit/require physical team work and meetings.
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
Individual assignments (50%) and group work (50%).
Applies in this implementation:
The course grade is based on maximum of 20p from the essay and 20p from the group work assignment.
Essay:
- max. 16 points based on the peer-review assessment
- max. 2 points from the BYOE workshop feedback
- max. 2 points from providing excellent feedback and peer-reviews
- max. 12 points from the final pitching
- max. 8 points from the lecture exercise deliverables
Workload
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
Lectures and workshops 20h, reading study materials 10h, writing and reviewing assignments 30h, group work 75h.
DETAILS
Study Material
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
Lecture materials, selected journal and practitioner articles and complementary materials. Materials are announced in course web site.
Substitutes for Courses
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
Substitutes the former course CSE-E5800 User-Centered Methods for Product and Service Design and T-121.5151 Methods for User-Centred Product Development.
Prerequisites
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
CS-C3120 Human-Computer Interaction / CSE-C3800 User Interfaces and Usability or equivalent basics in user-centred design and usability.
SDG: Sustainable Development Goals
9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
FURTHER INFORMATION
- Teacher: Lampela Teemu
- Teacher: Nieminen Marko
- Teacher: Nieminen Mika P.