The Best Practice of Teach Computer Science Students to Use Paper Prototyping
Dave Miller
Abstract
The importance of understanding the repercussions of effective user interface (UI) design is critical for future Computer Science (CS) professionals, given the ubiquity of interfaces on computer devices. Through a paper prototyping activity, this article explains how to teach rapidly and successfully CS students about "fit," a Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) concept. Despite its simplicity, the concept of "fit" can be difficult to grasp without much practice. In practice, designing "fit" into UIs can be prohibitively expensive because workable prototypes are generally beyond the technical capabilities of students. As a result, we illustrate how to use paper prototyping to demonstrate "fit" in a hands-on class exercise based on active learning concepts. To guide students through the process of "fit" in UI design, we provide extensive step-by-step directions for planning, setting up, and presenting the exercise. Students will be better equipped to apply both theoretical and practical applications of "fit" in UI design and execution as a result of this assignment; this exercise can be used in any course that covers user interface design, such as concepts of human-computer interaction, systems analysis and design, software engineering, and project management.