INF 7470: Information Architecture

Credits: 3

MLIS Prerequisite(s): INF 6080 MSIS Co-requisite(s): INF 6010

Rationale for inclusion in curriculum

Information architecture (IA) involves the dissemination of information in a manner that takes into account context, content, and user, and user experience. While typically associated with website development, information architecture is also key in user centered design and UX research. Information professionals have been pioneering in the practices and in developing the core tools of information architecture for many years. Today IA is a core component in official UX programs. The purpose of this course is to acquaint students with the theory and practice of information architecture, and to help students to leverage their skills and knowledge in various fields within the broad context and practice of UX design and research.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

1. Understand the relationship between information architecture and user experience
2. Gain a solid comprehension of the definition and topics of information architecture
3. Learn the roles for information architecture in web design / redesign teams
4. Learn the basic tools used by practicing information architects
5. Gain experience with organization structure, labeling and taxonomy design with websites
6. Develop a working knowledge of user centered design process
7. Understand the issues currently being researched in information architecture

Content

1. Introduction & History of Information Architecture
2. Principles of information architecture, including organization systems and user needs
3. Information architecture strategy development, based on principles of user centered design
4. Fundamentals of graphical user interface design
5. Creation of navigation blueprints and rapid prototyping techniques
6. Passive analysis & Heuristic evaluation
7. Organization structure, labeling and taxonomies
8. Search optimization and theory
9. Deliverables
10. Other domains closely related to IA practice, such as CMS, Project management, and usability analysis