(16:137:602) Special Topics: Information Architecture

Course Number
16:137:602
Credits
3
Semesters(s) Offered
Summer
Description

This course introduces students to the principles and practices of information architecture (IA) and its role in user experience (UX) design. This course examines the science and art of organizing and structuring content within digital spaces, such as websites, mobile apps, and other information spaces. Focusing on systematic methods and processes, students will learn to analyze, design, and evaluate information spaces to enhance usability and accessibility. Through hands-on projects, students will gain experience in creating intuitive sitemaps, navigation systems, and wireframes that support seamless and efficient user journeys.

Course Objectives

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

  • Examine the various Information Architecture tools, techniques, and methods
  • Identity and evaluate the important information Architecture strategies
  • Understand and apply the basic principles of user-centered design and usability testing
  • Critically analyze and design organization, labeling, navigation, and search system for web/mobile-based interfaces
  • Produce documentation such as personas, site maps, wireframes, interactive prototypes, etc.
  • Create a professional level Information Architecture design report incorporating all the deliverables

Technical Skills

  • Prototyping
  • Wireframing
  • Usability Testing
  • User Experience
  • User Interface

Transferable Skills

  • Research
  • Communication
  • Teamwork

Experiential Learning

Design an interactive prototype