Collaborative Learning of Usability Experiences

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Within typical HCI activities, usability and usability testing focuses on determining how well people can use a system's functionality. A skilled usability professional employs research-based methods and principles to understand users' conceptual model of a task and then design an interface that integrates with this thought process accordingly. There is an increased demand for skills in usability and usability testing, yet we identify a lack of training in this part of the field in current graduate programs across Canada. We believe that in all cases, graduates of an HCI program present a usability knowledge gap, as a result of usability being taught in theory in the classroom where examples in class are typically from very small populations that lack statistical validity. We will alleviate the gap by providing opportunities for students to experience the usability evaluationprocess on real projects. We will produce a new hybrid of trainees who can more effectively apply usability skills and research current systems as a result of real world experience. The Carleton University Collaborative Learning of Usability Experiences (CLUE) CREATE project will train Canada's leaders in HCI. Our long term goal is to improve our trainees' capabilities across the disciplinary boundaries (Psychology, Computer Science, IT and Design), through collaborative professional skills development (PSD), experiential learning and technical skills. This improved training regimen will be facilitated via a number of short term objectives that will provide additional training with workshops and mini-courses above and beyond the training they currently receive. The CLUE program will culminate with an internship based in usability experiences. After being exposed to the theory, having a practical, real-life example to apply the theory will fundamentally provide a greater learning experience for the students. We believe that providing an industry internship through our government and industry collaborators will enhance the students training. This applied learning will enhance job prospects, as practical experience is a valuable asset in securing a job.