Content and Competencies for Interdisciplinary Teaching of Nonfunctional Software Requirements and User Experience in Computing Courses: An Asset Mapping of Curricular References Guidelines

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Authors: Josué V. Ferreira, Sandro Ronaldo Bezerra Oliveira, Carlos S. Portela
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Abstract

Nonfunctional Requirements (NFRs) and User Experience (UX) are essential for developing robust, effective and user-centred software systems. However, these aspects are often addressed in a fragmented manner within Computing curricula, typically confined to specific subjects such as Software Engineering (SE) and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). This article aims to map the content and competencies related to NFRs and UX across four key computing curriculum frameworks: the Brazilian Computing Curricula Guidelines (RF-CC-2017), the ACM/IEEE Computing Curricula 2020 (CC2020), the Software Engineering Body of Knowledge (SWEBOK v4.0) and the Software Engineering Competency Model (SWECOM 1.0). Using a structured mapping methodology supported by expert validation, the study reveals conceptual and educational similarities between the analyzed documents. The results suggest significant opportunities for interdisciplinary integration between SE and HCI in Computing education, emphasizing content alignment, practical competencies, and shared design principles. The findings offer theoretical and practical contributions to curriculum design by proposing concrete guidelines for cohesive, interdisciplinary integration of NFRs and UX in Computing programmes.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Software Engineering Techniques and Practices Information Systems Education and Curriculum Development Software Engineering Research

Publication details

Journal / source
International Journal of Information and Education Technology
Volume
16
Issue
1
Pages
1–15
Publication date
1 January 2026