Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

This unit provides a broad introduction to the rapidly-expanding field of information architecture (IA). IA is a major area of concern for any organisation which has a business need to store and manage large and varied collections of data. The unit explains the nature and purpose of IA as a field of study and examines typical IA needs of large organisations. It examines a variety of approaches to the task of IA development and the techniques commonly associated with them. Particular emphasis is given to developing practical skills in techniques for developing architectures and to applying a range of popular IA tools and techniques commonly used in IA projects.

Objectives

At the completion of this unit students will:

• know the basic aims and purposes of information architecture and understand its importance to the management and use of information in an organisation;
• know a variety of approaches commonly used for the development of information architectures, and understand the key principles behind them;
• be able to conduct a business requirements analysis, and a user needs analysis, for the purposes of developing an information architecture;
• be able to critically evaluate an information architecture and assess its suitability for a given range of user needs;
• know the phases and processes involved in planning and implementing an information architecture (IA) project or program;
• recognise the contribution which the varying perspectives of different disciplines and professional groups can make to the development of an information architecture;
• be able to use a range of IA tools and techniques (eg blueprints, wireframes, card sorting, affinity diagrams, content maps, personas), and IA software in the process of developing an information architecture.

Assessment

Examination (3 hours): 50%; In-semester assessment: 50%

Contact hours

2 hrs lectures/wk, 2 hrs studios/wk

Prerequisites

FIT1037 and either FIT1036 or FIT1003

Prohibitions

FIT2055