Unit Description The unit examines the principles of information architecture for the World Wide Web, considering ways of organising and presenting data and information as a solution to the phenomena of information overload and information anxiety. It considers the importance of audience targeted, user centred, design, and usability testing, and their relevance to good practice in the design and development of effective web based systems. Information architecture specifies how users will find information by defining the organisation, navigation, labelling and search systems of a website. The implementation of a suitable information architecture balances the needs of the client and those of the audience by determining what content and functionality the site will contain, so that the website is based on how people are actually going to use it. Usability is the foundation of website design - to identify user needs and meet them, communicate the site’s purpose clearly, have a good intuitive navigation model that communicates scope, and have clear focused content design. Syllabus The unit introduces the student, through seminar based discussion, to issues such as information architecture, navigation systems, conceptual design, audience targeting, user-centred design, “rule based” design, “pattern” design and usability testing. The student will critique and evaluate a number of web sites, and produce an evaluation applying established usability theories. The student will then be required to produce a website to a given brief, applying the principles of information architecture. They will undertake, and evaluate, usability testing of the web-based system. Learning Outcomes - Show an understanding of conceptual design. - Demonstrate an understanding of information architecture principles. - Demonstrate the ability to research and evaluate target audiences, identifying content and functional requirements. - Demonstrate the ability to organise information, and create a cohesive navigation system. - Demonstrate the ability to design an effective and coherent web based information system applying information architecture principles. - Demonstrate an understanding of user centred design. - Demonstrate the ability to undertake and evaluate usability testing . Teaching and Learning Methods This unit is studio based, with an emphasis on responsive, student-centred experiential learning (including peer group learning). A range of teaching and learning methods are utilised, as identified below. Workshops will provide the student with the necessary technical skills. Assessment The learning outcomes will be assessed through: - A critique and evaluation of a number of web sites applying established usability theory and the completion and submission of a website, including a usability testing evaluation (weighting 100%) Assessment criteria include: quality of evaluation; suitability of information architecture; appropriateness of audience targeting; effectiveness of usability testing and evaluation; progress; and the technical learning and effectiveness. Indicative Reading Students will be expected to engage fully in on-line research activities, facilitated through the digital environment, which supports Web Design (at www.newmediahull.net). Flemming, J, Designing the User Experience, O’Reilly. 1997. Magazines: Blue Print, Campaign, Computer Arts, Create Online, Design, Design Week, Eye, Émigré, I-D, Creative Review. |