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Information Architecture (INFO90005)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Overview
Availability | Semester 2 |
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Fees | Look up fees |
Information architecture encompasses the processes for investigating and designing the interfaces for large-scale information systems. It involves planning and creating the search methods and browsing mechanisms that users will exploit to discover the information that they need. This subject will introduce a range of methods for discovering the ways in which users conceptualize the structure of the information that they are trying to navigate and discover, as well as theories on how information is organised. The subject explains how to analyse data about an information system’s use and from that analysis create concrete models of both cognitive and information behaviour. These models will be used to inform effective designs for discovery tools. Evaluation methods for testing the effectiveness of information discovery tools will also be taught. Good information architecture is the lynch-pin for modern information systems, from corporate websites to online libraries and public services. Throughout the subject, theory and practice will be closely interconnected, and design decisions will have to be justified with both empirical evidence and fundamental principles from information theory and science.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate through practical assessment an understanding of the different mechanisms for supporting information discovery
- Ability to apply different approaches to modelling cognitive processes and information structures that are used in creating information architectures and evaluating information seeking
- The ability to apply information theories to create information access tools for real-world settings
- The ability to evaluate an existing information discovery tool (e.g. search engine), and create improvements through evidence-based and theory-based methods.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Additional details
Assignment 1 – User Modelling task (individual) – Students will elicit knowledge of users’ information needs from a small number (4-8) representative sample. A report of c. 2000 words requiring c. 20 hours of work per student. Due in week 6. (30%). Addressing Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO) 1 and 2.
Assignment 2 – Design task (individual) Students will present a proposed design for a target information tool, using evidence from Assignment 1 and supplemented by further data. Report of c. 3000 words and presentation requiring c. 25 hours of work. Due in week 10. (40%). Addressing ILO 2 and 3.
Assignment 3 – Evaluation task that reports the outcome of an assessment of the use of a real-world information system. Group task of 3-4 students and a report of 4000 words requiring c. 10 hours of work per student. Due in the second week of the examination period. (30%). Addressing ILO 1,3 and 4.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator George Buchanan Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 36 Total time commitment 200 hours Teaching period 23 July 2018 to 21 October 2018 Last self-enrol date 3 August 2018 Census date 31 August 2018 Last date to withdraw without fail 21 September 2018 Assessment period ends 16 November 2018
Time commitment details
200 hours
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
There are no specifically prescribed or recommended texts for this subject.
Last updated: 3 November 2022