Active learning ideas
This topic marks the beginning of the practical development phase for the community project. Students focus on User Interface (UI) design and accessibility, ensuring their app is inclusive for diverse populations. This aligns with NCCA Learning Outcomes 3.1 and 3.2, which emphasize designing software with the end-user in mind.
Activity 01
Students create 'low-fidelity' prototypes of their app using paper and markers. They display them around the room, and classmates use sticky notes to provide feedback on the layout and ease of use.
How does user interface design impact accessibility?
Activity 02
Groups are given a specific user (e.g., a tourist with no English or a person with tremors). They must redesign a standard app screen to be usable for that person, explaining their design choices to the class.
What features are essential for a community-focused app?
Activity 03
Students list all the features they want in their app. With a partner, they must use the 'MoSCoW' method (Must have, Should have, Could have, Won't have) to narrow it down to a manageable prototype.
How do we ensure our software is inclusive?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
The user interface is just about making the app look pretty.
Explain that UI is about how a user interacts with the app. Use a 'bad design' scavenger hunt to show how poor UI can make a powerful program completely useless.
I should build the whole app at once.
Teach the value of 'Minimum Viable Product' (MVP). Active discussion about which features are essential helps students avoid getting overwhelmed and ensures they finish a working project for their CBA.
Methods used in this brief
Iterative Development and User Feedback
Write and test code for the community app, incorporating feedback from potential users. Reflect on how user-centered design improves the social utility of technology.
8 methodologies
Finalise Your CBA
Review and finalise your Classroom-Based Assessment (CBA) portfolio before the final submission deadline.
8 methodologies