twining's IA study modules

SJSU SLIS LIBR287 Updated 01/21/2005

IA Information Architecture
Syllabus / Schedule / 1st Assignment / _{Study
Modules} / Projects / Blackboard

Define Understand Analyze Shape Create Value

There are six, independent study modules for this class. This page provides an overview of them. Each module requires substantial independent time online, and active, interactive participation in the course Blackboard discussion for that module. The modules are:
Define information architecture, in which participants will discover and learn to express with elegance a personal understanding about what Information Architecture, the practice and profession, is, and begin cultivating their IA "voice."
Understand user needs, how people process information, how to write for the web, and other functional components and attitudes of the practice and profession.
Analyze site usability and "Guerrilla-User" testing, in which participants will become familiar with evaluation techniques used by the profession, and which they will apply in the final weeks of the semester.
Shape information so people can find it, navigate it, and use it, in which participants will explore the malleability of information and how it can be molded to achieve objectives
Create a prototype architecture with user-focused foundations, in which participants will learn the various "work products" or standard deliverables for a functional information architecture project.
Value information architecture to managers, colleagues, clients, in which participants will learn how to argue on behalf of the profession.

Each module includes a set of hyperlinks to get us started. These links are neither comprehensive nor exhaustive, but demonstrative. IA is a quickly-evolving discipline and its links change quickly, and often. Students who confront broken links are expected to search for the intended resource. When you find a (newer, better, different) link that's relevant to that module, please share it with the class. These modules "roughly" correspond with the sections of the IA workbook, which participants will be simultaneously working through, and using to produce documentation for their IA project. Some of the modules also have specific (small) assignments embedded in them, mostly assignments to guide our online discussions, but some to supplement project documentation. Participants will work through the first five study modules guided by the class schedule, while also working through the appropriate section(s) of the IA Workbook relative to their project. All study module assignments and workbook exercises should be completed relative to the IA project.
Study module assignments and project-specific workbook exercises are not turned in for grading, but are intended to help guide participants through completion of their project, and to serve as "work product" that demonstrate progress on the project.
Students are expected to review and comment on each other's projects and documents.
The professor will review and comment on participant work, where appropriate.

IA Information Architecture
Syllabus / Schedule / 1st Assignment / Study Modules / Projects / Blackboard