Information Architecture

The term ‘information architecture’ (IA) generally refers to how online content is structured to support effective information use. Course (INF2170H — Information Architecture) 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.

Recommended: INF1003H

• Syllabus Fall 2016
• Syllabus Fall 2017
• Syllabus Summer 2018
• Syllabus Fall 2018
• Syllabus Summer 2019
• Syllabus Fall 2019
• Syllabus Fall 2020