This course covers a number of User Interface Design areas. These, drawn from a number of disciplines, come together to provide a working understanding of an elegant and highly usable User Interface. Subject matter includes topics such as: screen layout, navigation, color, human factors and user-centered design methodologies. These topics are covered from a combination of practical and theoretical viewpoints allowing students to become comfortable with using design guidelines and principals as well as with the analyses required to make decisions on their own. Projects and exercises also expose the student to tools and prototyping techniques.

This course presents critical technical methods for software development. The course is oriented towards the industry practitioner with examples drawn from industry experience.

Develops advanced skills in critical analysis, close reading and composition through lectures, discussion and group activities in which students analyse and evaluate materials from various disciplines. Readings might come from professional journals, reports, newspapers, magazines and literature. Multimedia such as video, music and the Internet may also be included. Prerequisite: equivalent of three credits of university/college composition or six credits BCIT Communication.

Introduces principles and procedures of standard research methodologies in the context of software development and includes the relationship between software development and fields such as MIS, systems analysis and design, data processing, knowledge engineering, and decision theory; theories, paradigms and frameworks in software development; the role and importance of models, theories and conceptual frameworks; (prescriptive and descriptive models; scientific tradition; inference; deductive, inductive and abductive reasoning), traditional empirical research methods survey, experiment, case study and implementation (generate and test); measurement and evaluation, reliability, validity; literature exploration and criticism.

In this course, students will develop skills for GUI design and UI evaluation. Online discussion and presentation of GUI trends and criteria set the premise for research and debate. Through case studies of GUI examples, a project will emulate the real world practice of improving or remedying an analyzed problem in existing software. For instance, methodologies including but not limited to: Task flow charts, low/high fidelity prototyping, action analysis, walkthroughs, and user testing, in an applied mode, will increase awareness of user-centred GUI design issues. Prerequisites: 60% in COMP 7021

Presents topics important to managing software development projects. Concentrates on understanding and applying state-of-the-art management techniques, to improve software productivity. Emphasizes management issues- project leadership, communication, critical thinking and problem solving skills. Please note that COMP 8081 is offered only twice a year in January and September. Prerequisites: 60% in COMP 7081

Fosters abilities and values required for ethical decision making at work. Develops skills in logical analysis, a working knowledge of moral principles and theories, and the ability to diagnose and resolve moral disagreements commonly found at work. Examines and applies moral principles to historically famous cases in manufacturing, human resources, management, engineering, health care, and computing. Prerequisite: Equivalent of three credits of university/college composition or six credits of BCIT Communication.

Provides for practical application of computing knowledge and skills preferably in a workplace setting and with projects that involve applied research or technology transfer. Should produce a product that is innovative, experimental or exploratory in nature. Ranges from directed study projects to the preparation of proposal or project plan and includes the development of formal deliverables, including a final report. The contact hours are approximate and will vary from student to student. Please refer to the policy and requirements for the major project as described in: http://technology.cas.bcit.ca/btech/Documents/MajorProjectsGuidelines.pdf To view examples of past proposals and final reports you may schedule an appointment with the Program Assistant 604-432-8644. Prerequisite: Completion of all 7000 and 8000 level Bachelor of Technology courses, with the exception of the last 8000 level specialization course, which can be taken concurrently, and permission of the Program Head.

This course examines selected topics in Advanced User Interface Design. Participants will be required to develop prototype interface designs for reduced versions of different applications: (egs: an E-mail program, Browser, Museum Kiosk Display, cell phones/PDA wireless devices, DVDs, Video Games, etc.). These assignments focus on creating an effective and intuitive user interface with coherent navigational logic. In addition to the GUI design techniques covered in COMP 7021, COMP 8021 students will be further exposed to advanced issues and alternative approaches in Human-Computer Interaction. Simulated assignment/product development cycles will facilitate participant's keener awareness of real world time pressures. Some prefabricated elements may be used to expedite construction, integration and testing of beta interface prototypes. Participants at this stage will be developing their visual and other non-textual multisensory communication, innovation and problem solving skills. The final project offers the participants a powerful opportunity to integrate all of their newly acquired knowledge and skills in a supportive, flexible and potentially inspirational manner/environment. Prerequisites: 60% in COMP 8021

Provides for practical application of computing knowledge and skills preferably in the workplace setting and with projects that involve applied research or technology transfer. Should produce a product that is innovative, experiment or exploratory in nature. Ranges from directed study projects to the preparation of proposal or project plan and includes the development of formal deliverables, including a final report. The contact hours are approximate and will vary from student to student. Please refer to the policy and requirements for the major project as described in: http://technology.cas.bcit.ca/btech/Documents/MajorProjectsGuidelines.pdf To view examples of past proposals and final reports you may schedule an appointment with the Program Assistant 604-432-8644. Prerequisite: COMP 8045 and permission of the Program Head.