Lecture: Defining the problems
This lecture will develop an understanding of
the principles of information architecture for the web. The instructor
will present a series of information architecture problems common
to all web sites. Examples will be drawn from current web sites, presented
as examples of how these problems are solved. Emphasis will be on
the common problems and the variety of solutions.
The communications model
What is the purpose of the web site?
How should items (nodes) be related (linked)?
Can the content be divided into sections?
Where should items be located in the hierarchy or
network?
What are the global requirements for the entire
collection?
What are the local navigation requirements at each
level?
How do you use it - how will the user interact with
it?
How will the user read the page?
What can we present to the user on the web that
cannot be done as well in any other medium?
Workshop: Analyzing and planning
web sites
This workshop will develop a greater understanding
of how to apply information architecture techniques to the redesign
of existing web sites and the planning of new projects.
Summary of visualization techniques
The instructor will present a variety of visualization techniques
including isometric diagrams and flow charts. Methods for indicating
global and local navigation structures, page types, static and dynamic
pages, and interaction with applications and databases will be described.
Mapping a web site
Students will select a familiar web site. Students will diagram
the structure of the web site, individually or in small groups. The
purpose of the diagram will be to explain the content and scope of
the web site to the workshop.
Planning a web site
Student, working in groups of 2-3, will be asked
to develop the plan for a new web site. The specifications for each
site will be explained to the group, and each team will develop their
own solutions, captured in a planning diagrams. The final architecture
will be presented to the group. Members of the group will be assigned
client roles for each critique: head of marketing, chief technology
officer, editorial manager. The purpose of the critique will be to
develop greater understanding of the planning process and the mediation
of conflicting goals within an organization, leading to a successful
information architecture.
Lecture: Design for the computer screen
This lecture will develop an understanding of
the principles of designing for the computer screen. Emphasis will
be on the visual principles of two-dimensional design drawn from all
forms of graphic arts, as they apply to screen design. Examples will
be drawn from a combination of fine arts, graphic arts, and contemporary
web pages. The purpose of the lecture is to raise participants awareness
of what web designers can learn from fine arts, book, and publication
design traditions.
A. Polarity of representation
and abstraction
creating an image not on the
surface of the screen but in the mind of the viewer
B. Presenting information in two-dimensional space
common variables: position,
size, symbol, color
windows and frames
C. Type
typeface, legibility, and line
positive and negative space
contrast, color, and size
choreography of moving type
D. Sound
reinforcing interaction
providing narrative
adding audio information
E. Reading the page
controlling the viewer's experience
layering information
identifying active areas
highlighting context and location
Workshop: Designing web sites
This workshop will increase the understanding
of participants as to how well visual design supports the goal of
a web site and the intended user experience.
Restaurant Finder assignment
Participants will be given a list of restaurants in Providence, Rhode
Island. Information will be provided on what meals are serves (breakfast,
lunch, dinner) and relative cost (cheap, moderate, expensive). Working
in teams of 2-3, participants must design web site that allows the
user to choose a restaurant by meal and cost.
Critique of participants web sites
Workshop (continued)
Participants will be asked to present a web site of their choice,
and critique the visual design in light of the principles described
in the previous lecture. Participants will be encouraged, but not
required, to use a web site from their own organization. Emphasis
of the critique will be on how well the visual design supports the
goal of the web site and the intended user experience.
Suggestions for revision of participants web sites
A group of web sites previously critiqued will be selected, and
assigned to teams of 2-3 participants. Each team will develop suggestions
for how to revise the visual design of the web site to improve the
user experience.