Course ID: 20159 | Course Duration: 3 Days

Introduction to Information Architecture for the Web Training Class

Course ID: 20159

Introduction to Information Architecture for the Web Training Seminar

This course examines web projects in terms of a project life cycle and is
especially geared to individuals who will determine content as well as how users
will get to that content. This course is beneficial to both the information
architects and writers who will create content for web pages, as you will learn
how writing for the web is different from writing for any other media and how to
create exciting and informative text that enables users to get the most from
your site.


	Agenda
	1. Introduction to Information Architecture What is Information Architecture? An Introduction to Our Case Study Definition of Information Architecture Goals of Information Architecture The Web as a Medium Discussion: What do you like about good web sites? Discussion: What characteristics do bad web sites have? How Do People Process Information? The Practice of Information Architecture Site Structure User-Focused Design 2. A Process for Building Good Information Architecture Analyze the Scope of Your Project How Does the Web Site Fit in with the Goals of the Organization? What Are the Goals of the Site? Who Are the Site's Users? What Are the Available Resources for the Project? How Will the Site Change and Grow Over Time? Who is Involved in Creating/Changing the Site? Are There Other Potential Challenges? Gather Information Organize Your Information Grouping Deciding Between Different Grouping Systems Sorting Your Groups Techniques for Grouping Labeling Design Successful Navigation Navigational Options Qualities of Successful Navigation Include a Site Map and a Search Interface Navigation Focus: Search Systems Discussion: Searching Systems Navigation Focus: Potential Problems Build Prototypes Flowcharts Storyboards Conduct User Testing Goals for Usability Tests Types of User Tests Prepare for Launch, Maintenance & Growth Maintenance 3. Writing for the Web Why Writing for the Web is Different than Writing for Print Discussion: Why do people read on the web? Adapting to a Different Reading Environment Remove Unnecessary "Marketese" or "Happy Content" Be Concise Make Text Scannable Remove Excessive Instructions Keeping it Simple Good Writing Avoid Jargon Simplify Wording Writing Is Visual Microcontent Writing Structure Reading Out of Order Page Layout Particular Audiences Accessibility Elderly, Young, and Low-Literacy Audiences Search-Engine Optimization Linking Wording HTML Structure 4. Special Considerations Restructuring An Existing Web Site Build a Content Inventory Sheet for Your Current Site Use the "Wish Listto Identify Unmet Needs Determine the Appropriate Groups and Labels for Content Build Good Navigation Test the Product with Users at Every Stage After Launch Provide Support Resources on Site Redesign The Costs of Poor Information Architecture Build a Cost Table Think About the Future Appendix A: Glossary Appendix B: Documents and Worksheets Appendix C: Types of Sites and Their Purposes Shopping Identity Learning Information Community Entertainment/Games Appendix D: Recommended Resources Books to Read Web Sites to Visit


	Audience
	Beginner-level web content creators. Note that this is an introductory class and is not intended for seasoned information architects.


	Pre-requisites
	Experience and comfort using the Internet


	Comments
	For all course dates held in Canada, please add 5% GST to the course price. Canadian residents will need to add an additional 7% PST to the course price.