Course Description
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. They will also create rapid prototypes to demonstrate their solutions and gain fluency in applying IA principles in practice.
This course can be used to fulfil the “Technical” Professional Requirement.
Recommended preparation: INF1003H