course-details-portlet

IDG2012

Web Accessibility, Usability and Ethics

Credits 7.5
Level Intermediate course, level II
Course start Autumn 2025
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction English
Location Gjøvik
Examination arrangement School exam

About

About the course

Course content

The students will examine a wide variety of issues related to the accessibility and the usability of Web interfaces. The students will also explore the ethical impact of various Web design techniques. The course is hands-on oriented: the students will apply the notions presented during the course to real-life Web interfaces provided by external companies or other partners of the NTNU.

Topics:

  • Core concepts such as human-computer interaction, interaction design, user experience, and usability
  • Universal design, inclusive design, and basics of web accessibility
  • Disabilities and impairments
  • Web accessibility guidelines (e.g., WCAG, ATAC, UAAG), international standards, laws, and regulations
  • Assistive technologies and adaptive strategies
  • Usability evaluation
  • Accessibility evaluation
  • Designing and developing accessible websites

Learning outcome

Knowledge

After completing this course, the students will know:

  • The key principles in the fields of Human-Computer Interaction, accessibility, and usability
  • The specific challenges of current devices (e.g. mobile phones, tablets)
  • Which guidelines and legal requirements exist for public Web interfaces

Skills

After completing this course, the students will be able to:

  • Create Web interfaces that are accessible and usable from multiple devices by multiple users
  • Deal with aesthetics, usability, and ethical considerations simultaneously
  • Evaluate the accessibility and usability of a Web interface

General competence

After completing this course, the students will know how to:

  • Design and develop Web interfaces that are accessible, usable, and inclusive
  • Discuss usability, accessibility, and ethical issues with the owners of a Web resource
  • Understand which accessibility-related legal regulations apply to a certain Web interface

Learning methods and activities

  • Lectures
  • Laboratory work with computers
  • Guest(s) lectures

The course is mainly based on independent work, as well as regular supervision. In addition, some lectures will be given on topics relevant to the course project.

This course is offered to exchange students. Language of instruction is English.

Compulsory assignments

  • Oblig 1
  • Oblig 2
  • Oblig 3
  • Oblig 4

Further on evaluation

Methods:

  • Students submit four compulsory assignments. All four must be approved to take the exam.
  • The exam is written, digital and lasts for three hours.

Regarding re-sit:

  • Re-sit examination for the written exam next semester.
  • In case of failed compulsory assignments, these need to be re-taken the next time the course is running.

Specific conditions

Admission to a programme of study is required:
Interaction Design (BIXD)
Web Development (BWU)

Required previous knowledge

The course is reserved for students of the Bachelor in Web Development (BWU).

  • IDG1292 Web coding (or IMT1292) or equivalent course.

Course materials

The syllabus will be given at the beginning of the semester.

Subject areas

  • Design Methodology

Contact information

Course coordinator

Lecturers

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Design

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: School exam
Grade: Letter grades

Ordinary examination - Autumn 2025

School exam
Weighting 100/100 Examination aids Code E Date 2025-12-02 Time 09:00 Duration 3 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment
Place and room for school exam

The specified room can be changed and the final location will be ready no later than 3 days before the exam. You can find your room location on Studentweb.

Smaragd
Room S410
38 candidates

Re-sit examination - Spring 2026

School exam
Weighting 100/100 Examination aids Code E Duration 3 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment Place and room Not specified yet.