This course provides an introduction to fundamental principles of information architecture.  Students analyze and describe, in professional terms, the organizational structures, labeling schemes, navigation and search elements of large, information-rich websites and solve problems addressing the flow of information on such sites.

Assignments include 4 technical reports in which students analyze and critique the organizational structures, labeling schemes, navigation and search elements of specific websites, and a final Design Document in which students propose a redesign of the information architecture of an existing website.

Learning objectives for the course include:

• Students will analyze and describe, in professional terms, the organizational structures, labeling schemes, navigation elements, and search features of large, information-rich websites.
• Students will recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, organize, critically evaluate, and effectively use information from a variety of sources with intellectual integrity.
• Students will identify and suggest solutions for problems with the flow of information on large, information-rich websites.
• Students will complete multidisciplinary team activities using effective communication skills and strategies, including both synchronous and asynchronous computer-supported communication technologies.