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CSC-20097 - Module Specification
School of Computer Science and Mathematics
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2026/27 Last Updated: 02 April 2026

CSC-20097 - Human-Centred Software Engineering
Coordinator: Edward De Quincey Tel: +44 1782 7 34090
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 30
Study Hours: 300
School Office: 01782 733075

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2026/27

This module integrates principles and practices from software engineering and human-computer interaction (HCI) to provide a comprehensive exploration of the processes involved in designing, developing, and evaluating interactive software systems. Students will work both individually and in teams to apply agile software development methodologies alongside user-centred design techniques, ensuring that technical functionality and usability requirements are addressed throughout the development lifecycle.
The module introduces key concepts in requirements analysis, system design, implementation, and evaluation, with a particular emphasis on user needs, accessibility, and ethical considerations. Through case studies, practical exercises, and team-based projects, students will gain experience in:
applying agile practices to collaborative software development,
creating and evaluating prototypes and user interfaces,
applying usability principles, guidelines, and evaluation methods,
producing professional technical and design documentation, and
reflecting critically on the integration of software engineering and HCI practices.
By combining technical and human-centred approaches, the module prepares students with the skills and knowledge required to deliver effective, usable, and sustainable software solutions in professional contexts.

Aims
To develop students' abilities to design, implement, and evaluate interactive software systems by merging principles of agile team‑based software engineering with human‑centred design.
To enable students to compare and reflect on theoretical frameworks and industry practices from both software engineering and HCI disciplines, applying them collaboratively throughout the development lifecycle.
To immerse students in contemporary working practices through both agile team development and user‑centred design methods, culminating in functional prototypes and design portfolios.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Design and implement solutions using agile and user-centred approaches: 1,2
Evaluate applications with users and against usability and accessibility standards: 1,2
Communicate technical and design outcomes through professionally structured artefacts: 1,2
Reflect on individual and team performance in integrating software engineering and HCI practices, identifying areas for personal development: 2

Study hours

20 hours of lectures
10 hours of guest lectures
60 hours structured engagement with online resources
2 hours of teamwork preparation workshops
12 hours scheduled group work sessions (weekly required team meetings in Semester 2)
100 hours team work
30 hours individual coursework preparation
66 hours Independent study

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Group Assessment weighted 70%
Team Project: Interactive Application Development
Students work in small teams of 6 to design and implement an interactive application using agile practices and user-centred design. Each student in a group will receive the same mark unless the peer review indicates non or low-contribution levels. Deliverables: A 15-minute recorded presentation demonstrating a functional prototype and related software engineering artefacts (e.g. user persona, user stories, acceptance criteria, design rationale and results of user testing). Teams must also upload weekly Scrum diaries conforming to a set template available in advance.

2: Portfolio weighted 30%
Individual Design and Evaluation Portfolio
Each student produces an individual portfolio showcasing: 1. their application of HCI methods completed in a set of 8 weekly practicals in Semester 1 of the course 2. an individual evaluation of team work including reflection on their own contributions, the contributions of others in their team (peer review), and a reflection on the concepts covered by the guest speakers (equivalent of around 800 words).

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 02 April 2026