CQUniversity Unit Profile.

Students develop a design specification and interface prototype for a mobile application that addresses a defined user need. The submission includes functional requirements, navigation planning, interface design, and peer feedback. The task emphasises concept development, user experience, and design communication.

Assignment 1 consists of three distinct tasks:

• Task A: Design Specification Document
• Task B: Mobile User Interface Design Prototype
• Task C: Online Peer Feedback

Task A: Design Specification Document (1500-2000 words)

In this task, you will develop a comprehensive Design Specification Document that serves as the foundation for the prototype mobile application in Assignment 2. The mobile application should cater to one of the following areas: education, business, industry work-cycle, lifestyle (e.g., fitness, food, travel), gaming or innovation mobile application. If you wish to propose another category, please confirm it with your unit coordinator.

The document should be created in Microsoft Word or a similar tool and have a word count between 1500-2000 words. It must be professionally presented, including a title page with unit code and name, Assignment number and title, student name, student number, and due date. The proposal should include document header and footer with page numbers, logical headings, and sub-headings, and includes sections such as :

• Introduction
• Functional Requirements
• Navigation Map
• Prototype User Interface Design (refer to Task B)
• Schedule/Timeline
• References
• Appendix (refer to Task C)

Task B: Mobile User Interface Design Prototype

Building upon the information from Task A, you will design and develop a user interface for the mobile application you plan to prototype in Assignment 2. You may use any prototyping tool of your choice, provided that it allows you to share your design online and receive feedback from your peers.

We recommend using Figma for this activity due to its ease of use, accessibility, and built-in collaboration features. If you prefer to use another prototyping tool, please ensure it supports online access and commenting. If you're unsure about your selected tool’s suitability, consult your tutor or Unit Coordinator.

Task C: Online Peer Feedback

For the final task, post the link to your mobile user interface design prototype (Task B) using the dedicated forum on the DGTL12008 unit website. This enables peers to review your prototype and leave meaningful feedback. Ensure the link to your prototype is accessible to your classmates

In addition to sharing your prototype, you must write a 150-300-word review for three (3) peers, addressing the following questions:

• Is the mobile app aesthetically pleasing and minimalist?
• Does the mobile app provide a good user experience?
• Does the mobile app offer users control and freedom?
• Are the images, icons, buttons and instructions intuitive?
• Any suggestions for improving the user experience?

To meet the expected level of detail for a future developer, make sure to justify your decisions, follow task guidelines, utilise APA referencing, and carefully proofread your work.

Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence agents (Gen AI)

AI Assessment scale tool: 

Level 1: You must not use AI at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge. Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity. 

If you are unsure, ask the Unit Coordinator.

Please note: The 72-Hour grace period applies to this assessment task. If you need longer than 72 hours, you will still need to use the normal Assessment Extension System process.

Task A: Design Specification Document (20 marks)

• Introduction and user need: The app purpose, target user, and design problem are clearly explained.
• Platform and project scope: The proposed mobile platform or cross-platform approach is appropriate and
  realistic for the project.
• Functional requirements and content structure: Core features, content areas, and intended interactions are
  clearly identified and aligned to the user need.
• Flow chart or navigation map: The app structure is logical, easy to follow, and suitable for mobile use.
• Application interface design direction: Visual style, layout direction, interface components, and screen
  intentions are communicated clearly.
• Project planning and timeline: The schedule shows realistic development planning and an understanding of
  the production process.
• Presentation and referencing: The document is clearly organised, professionally presented, and uses APA
  referencing appropriately.

Task B: Mobile User Interface Design Prototype (12.5 marks)

• Originality: The concept demonstrates a clear and original direction within the chosen app context.
• Completeness of prototype screens and interface elements: The prototype includes the main screens, core
  flow, and sufficient interface detail to support practical development.
• User experience: The design shows good mobile usability, clear interaction flow, and appropriate user
  guidance.
• Interface design: Typography, spacing, colour, icons, buttons, cards, and visual consistency support the
  intended purpose.
• Visual metaphor and communication: The prototype uses a clear and suitable visual language for the
  target audience and app purpose.

Task C: Online Peer Feedback (7.5 marks)

• Adherence to the required discussion topics: Feedback addresses the required review points and responds
  appropriately to the work shared.
• Quality and completeness of peer feedback: Feedback is constructive, relevant, and complete. The student
  provides three peer reviews of 150 to 300 words each and demonstrates thoughtful engagement with the
  work of others.

This assessment carries a total of 40 marks

Assignment 2 requires you to refine and build the interactive mobile application proposed in Assignment
1. The app should respond to a clearly defined user need and demonstrate effective mobile interface
design, structured navigation, appropriate content, and usable interactive features. This task builds directly
on the planning, prototyping, and feedback completed earlier in the term.

Assignment 2 consists of three related tasks:

• Task A: Interactive Mobile Application Prototype
• Task B: Communication Package
• Task C: Creative Statement and Resource Justification

Task A: Interactive Mobile Application Prototype
In Task A, you will create a working prototype of your mobile application using the approved cross-platform
workflow for this unit. The prototype should include clear navigation, coherent content, and functional
interface elements such as buttons, menus, forms, cards, lists, or other suitable interaction patterns. Where
appropriate to the project concept, the app may also include guided assistance, personalised content,
lightweight task support, or simple user support features.

Your mobile app should include:

• A logical, consistent, and usable navigation system.
• Content that aligns with the purpose of your mobile application.
• Intuitive elements such as menus, buttons, icons and images with a minimalist design aesthetic for clarity.
• An interactive form for user information input.

Ensure that the content, commands, and information layout in your mobile app match the chosen mobile operating system. Design elements, including images, fonts, colours, shapes, and textures, should be consistent with the mobile application theme.

More information about this task can be found on the unit website.

Task B: Communication Package

In Task B, you will create a small communication package to present and promote your mobile application. This package should support the visual identity of the app and communicate its purpose clearly to the intended audience.

The communication package may include selected branded assets and short promotional materials appropriate to the project scope. Examples may include an application icon, splash screen, promotional graphic, app preview screen, short presentation media, or other suitable communication materials approved by the Unit Coordinator.

All communication materials should be original, visually consistent with the app, and appropriate for mobile presentation. Students should focus on clarity, coherence, and suitability for the target audience.

Further details regarding acceptable formats and submission requirements will be provided on Moodle.

Task C: Creative Statement and Resource Justification (500-1000 words)

In Task C, you will submit a short creative statement and resource justification explaining your design decisions, branding choices, workflow, testing approach, and the tools or resources used in the project. You should explain how your selected resources supported the project outcome and identify any limitations, constraints, or challenges encountered during development.

To meet the expected level of detail for a future developer, make sure to justify your decisions, follow task guidelines, utilise APA referencing, and carefully proofread your work.

Assignment 2 Presentation and Submission

The Assignment must be submitted electronically through the unit website. You must upload the following files:

1. A ZIP file containing the files for your interactive mobile application prototype (Task A).
2. A ZIP file, folder, or approved set of files containing your communication package materials (Task B).
3. A Microsoft Word document containing your Creative Statement and Resource Justification (Task C).

File naming conventions and detailed submission requirements will be provided on Moodle.

Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence agents (Gen AI)

AI Assessment scale tool: 

AI Assessment Scale: Level 3 
You may use AI to assist with specific tasks such as drafting text, refining, and evaluating your work. You must critically evaluate and modify any AI-generated content. Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity. 

You may use AI to assist with specific tasks such as assisting with coding/debugging, generating concepts, refining and evaluating your work. 

If you are unsure, ask the Unit Coordinator.

Please note: The 72-Hour grace period applies to this assessment task. If you need longer than 72 hours, you will still need to use the normal Assessment Extension System process.

Concept and user focus (5 marks)

• Clear and well-defined concept for the mobile application prototype.
• Demonstrates a clear understanding of the user need, problem, or opportunity being addressed.
• Provides a suitable rationale for the app’s purpose and target audience.

Functionality and app workflow (15 marks)

• The mobile application prototype effectively fulfills its intended purpose.
• Key features and core interactions are implemented and functional.
• Navigation and user flow are logical, clear, and suitable for mobile use.
• Any guided assistance, personalised content, or simple user support features are integrated meaningfully where appropriate.

Interface design and usability (15 marks)

• The interface is visually coherent and appropriate for the intended audience and app purpose.
• Layout, spacing, typography, colour, icons, and screen hierarchy support readability and usability.
• The application demonstrates consistent visual design across screens.
• User interactions are intuitive and the app is easy to understand and use on a mobile device.
•  The design supports clear task completion and a positive user experience.

Code and technical implementation (10 marks)

• Code implementation is organised, functional, and appropriate to the level of the unit.
• Demonstrates reasonable use of coding conventions, structure, and commenting where appropriate.
• Demonstrates understanding of any starter code, templates, or third-party snippets used in the project.
• Testing, debugging, and refinement are evident in the final prototype.

Brand identity and communication package (10 marks)

• Brand elements are clear, consistent, and suitable for the app’s purpose and audience.
• Visual identity such as app name, icon, colour palette, typography, and screen styling is applied
  consistently.
• Any communication assets, such as splash screen, promotional graphic, app preview material, or short
  presentation media, are appropriate to the project scope.
• Communication materials present the app clearly and professionally.
• The overall package supports the app’s identity and presentation.

Creative statement and resource justification (5 marks)

• The justification of resources demonstrates a thoughtful selection process in relation to the project goals.
• Resources, tools, and design choices are explained clearly and appropriately.
• The student demonstrates understanding of how the selected resources contributed to the project
  outcome.
• Limitations, constraints, or challenges are acknowledged realistically.

This assessment carries a total of 60 marks.