IA Syllabus | p. 1

information architecture.

catalogue description.

Information Architecture explores the connections among web site usability, interactivity, design, andnavigation principles as each relate to the written content. Students investigate how written contentinfluences the look and user-friendliness of web sites. Specific issues addressed in the course includepresenting content for audiences with disabilities or for non-English speakers; privacy and security concerns;and the rise of information anxiety in the general public.

in sum.

Design matters. Design is not just about how something looks. Embedded in design are issues associatedwith human values, ethics, bodies, being.While we read and debate about these things, we’re going to be doing, making, testing, and researching.Post-springbreak meetings will turn some of this stuff on its head and ask you to be

critical

informationarchitects. It’s important for us to be critical because, This is not a computer science course. So while we’ll be doing, making, and researching all along the way,we’ll also be grapping with information architecture within the context of philosophy, rhetoric, writing, and

what it means to be human

please have in your possession.

•

Jane Fulton Suri + IDEO’s (2005)

Thoughtless acts

(amazon: $5 used)

•

Donald Norman’s (2005)

Emotional design

(amazon: $5 used)

•

Dourish’s (2004)

Where the action is

(amazon: $14 used)

•

A dropbox account

•

A gmail account (that has google documents)

blogging + microblogging.

On the first day we’ll be designing a course blog. Think of this space as a repository for cool finds, interestingartifacts, choice quotes, or random reflections that have anything to do with class readings, everyday events,or issues with design, information, and

being human

. Additionally, Please create a twitter account (if youhaven’t already). Follow your peers and me. Use this platform as a way to promote your blog posts, throwout ideas, share cool quotes or articles, ask questions, etc. These two venues are key to your success in the class. I deliberately did not assign any “pop-culture”readings on design or IA because I want

you

to cull them and share. Doing so demonstrates not only yourintrigue and inquisitiveness about the subject matter beyond the walls of the classroom, but alsodemonstrates your technological literacy.

attendance.

I assume that because this is a graduate class, you all want to be here. If you’re not going to be here, youshould tell me. After missing two classes, I’ll assume you don’t want to be here.

if design is the transforming of the world based on understanding,which forms our environment, the beginning of human wisdom mayhave been the beginning of design. (Kenya Hara,

Designing Design

)

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IA Syllabus | p. 2

assessment.

blogging + microblogging 200 pointsreading + watching + class participation 200 pointsIA project one (analysis of design) 100 pointsIA project two (design) 200 pointsIA project three (usability testing and research) 300 points

(tentative) schedule.

jan 20. introduction

review syllabus, watchcarr,shirky, create course blog (wordpress, posterous, tumblr, other?), solvetwo class meeting issuesRead:http://bit.ly/gGCWT9[UX: The enemywithin]Watch:

Helvetica

($2.99 on amazon)information anxiety

jan 27.what is information architecture?**

Discuss

Helvetica

, information, introduce IA project oneRead: Heidegger’s “The question concerningtechnology”, Haas (1996) Chapter 2 (all on Bb)typography, design, information

feb 03.technology is not transparent**

Discuss Heidegger and HaasRead: Suri + IDEO, Norman (2005)enframing (ge-stell), technologicalmyths, materiality, transparency,instrumentalism, essence, poiesis,techne

feb 10. design matters

Discuss Suri + IDEO, NormanRead: Castells Chs. 1-2, Nardi & O’Day Chs. 2-4(all on Bb)affordances, constraints, adapt,exploit, react, creativity, tacitknowledge, intuition, emotion,problem-solving, human-centeredness

feb 17.

WRAB, no class :: finalize IA Project One

feb 24. information ecologies, economies**

Discuss Castells, Nardi & O’DayIntroduce IA Project Two, ThreeDUE: IA Project OneRead: Dourish (2004), Hara’s “Haptic” (on Bb)information ecology, informationlism,globalization, networking, pervasivecomputing, technological determinism