INF2170H 0.5 Credits

Information Architecture

Course Description

The term ‘information architecture’ (IA) generally refers to how online content is structured to support effective information use. Course lectures are divided into three rubrics: Information Design Fundamentals (design principles), Information Architecture Development Process (development methods), and Professional Practice (working as an information architect). An explicitly user-centred (‘bottom-up’) approach to the development process will be taken throughout. At the end of this course, students will be able to differentiate between the various disciplines implicated explicitly or implicitly in the development of information architecture. They will be able to understand and apply basic principles of cognitive psychology, industrial design, systems analysis and human-computer interaction to the practice of information architecture. Student will also learn to apply simple user-centred methods to address information architecture problems in the context of work places and practices. Finally, students will learn to apply information architecture principles and development methods to create and refine an information architecture schema to address an information design problem, and to create a rapid prototype to demonstrate information architecture schemata. The format of the course comprises lectures, reinforced by two assignments, a quiz and a final exam.

Effective September 1st, 2025, the Description is:

Information architecture (IA) refers to how online content is structured to support effective information use. This course (INF2170H – Information Architecture) explores the core concepts and practices of IA, with a focus on content organization, navigation, and accessibility in digital environments. Students will engage with three main areas: Information Design Fundamentals (design principles), the Information Architecture Development Process (development methods), and Professional Practice (real-world applications). A user-centred, ‘bottom-up’ approach will guide the course, helping students identify and evaluate IA systems across websites, compare strategies, and assess designer assumptions and trade-offs. Students will also learn foundational principles to understand and influence technical decision-making to improve accessibility and usability in IA. Students will audit and evaluate website content and navigation structures using quantitative and qualitative methods, and propose changes based on their findings. Students will conduct content inventories and audits, propose alternative content structures, and refine IA schemas.

Recommended: INF1003H

Current Timetable