Information Architecture for the Web Introduction

This course teaches students how to maximize the usability of a Web site while maintaining the structure necessary to allow the site to grow. As Web sites become larger and larger, Web site organization becomes more of a challenge. In addition, it becomes increasingly difficult to balance the different needs of the site's users, sponsors, and designers. This course uses various discussions and several hands-on exercises to explore different ways to improve site structure, navigation, and usability.

After completing this two-day course, students will be able to:

• Define and Justify Information Architecture
• Evaluate the Architecture of an Existing Site
• Ask the Right Questions
• Plan a Successful Site
• Build Effective Site Navigation
• Label and Chunk Your Content
• Conduct User Testing
• Restructure an Existing Web Site

Target audience

Students are not required to have technical experience of the Internet but are expected to be comfortable with using the Internet and web browsing

Course content

Introduction An Introduction to our Case Study • Definition of Information Architecture • Goals of Information Architecture

The Web as a Medium Discussion: What do you like about good Web sites? • Discussion: What characteristics do bad Web sites have? • How Do People Process Information? • Exercise 1: Analyze the Architecture of 6 Local University Sites

The Practice of Information Architecture Site Structure

User-Focused Design Exercise 2: Partner-Task Observation • Worksheet for Exercise 2

Analyze the Scope of your Project How Does the Web Site Fit in with the Goals of the Organization? • What Are the Goals of the Site? • Who Are the Site's Users? • What Are the Available Resources for the Project? • How Will the Site Change and Grow Over Time? • Who is Involved in Creating/Changing the Site? • Are There Other Potential Challenges? • Exercise 3: Defining the Scope of Our Case Study • Worksheet for Exercise 3

Gather Information Exercise 4: Preparing a Content Inventory Sheet • Communicating Project Goals

Organize Your Information Grouping • Deciding Between Different Grouping Systems • Techniques for Grouping • Exercise 5: Grouping Your Content • Worksheet for Exercise 5 • Labeling • Exercise 6: Developing Labels for the Communication Department Site • Worksheet for Exercise 6

Design Successful Navigation Navigational Options • Qualities of Successful Navigation • Include a Site Map and a Search Interface • Exercise 7: Designing the Navigation System for the Communication Department Site • Navigation Focus: Search Systems • Discussion: Searching Systems • Exercise 8: Determining the Parameters of Your Search Interface • Navigation Focus: Potential Problems

Build Prototypes Flowcharts • Storyboards • Exercise 9 (Optional): Creating a Prototype for the Communication Department Site

Conduct User Testing Goals for Usability Tests • Types of User Tests • Exercise 10: Designing a User Test for the Communication Department Web Site

Prepare for Launch, Maintenance & Growth Maintenance

Restructuring An Existing Web Site 1) Build a Content Inventory Sheet for Your Current Site • 2) Use the “Wish List” to Identify Unmet Needs • 3) Determine the Appropriate Groups and Labels for Content • 4) Build Good Navigation • 5) Test the Product with Users at Every Stage • 6) After Launch Provide Support • Resources on Site Redesign

The Costs of Poor Information Architecture Build a Cost Table • Think About the Future

Appendix A: Glossary

Appendix B: Documents and Worksheets

Appendix C: Types of Sites and their Purposes Shopping • Identity • Learning • Information • Community • Entertainment/Games

Appendix D: Recommended Resources Books to Read • Web Sites to Visit

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