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Principles of Information Architecture

X461 (2 semester units in Information)

Information architecture is at the core of every technical communication project. It determines how information is designed, organized, and labeled, and it specifies the navigation structure that makes it possible for users to find information. This course looks at the traditional architecture of paper-based documents, examines how organizing information for online delivery differs from paper-based, and then focuses on the need to design information that can be delivered in more than one way.

This course presents a process for developing the architecture of information. As you learn the process, you work with a small group of students to develop a project. After your team defines the goals and audience for the project, you analyze the audience needs and necessary content, identify categories for grouping and presenting the information, develop appropriate navigation, and create preliminary designs for the main types of topics to be included. You involve users in the process and experience the impact of user input on your information design.

Modular writing, single-sourcing, content management, user-centered design, and usability are all important concepts in the industry today. What do these terms mean? How do they relate to information architecture? And, as a technical communicator, how do they impact you? You learn the answers to those questions while focusing on developing the information architecture for your project. Enrollment is limited.

Prerequisite: Technical Communication I X465 or equivalent academic or professional preparation.

There are currently no sections open for enrollment.

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Sections closed for enrollment

Sat. Oct. 17, Berkeley

LINDA URBAN, B.A., is an award-winning technical writer, help author, and instructor. She has more than 20 years of experience in designing and developing technical information. She also works with writers and teams to improve the quality of their documentation, focusing on both usefulness and usability. E-mail: lurban@earthlink.net.

NOTE: This class is closed. For information about related courses, contact your academic department.

• $545 (EDP 301218)

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