Paul Nozicka - Instructor

Information Architecture :: syllabus

Course Description ::

This course introduces the basics of creating documents for the World Wide Web, based on user-centered design considerations. Topics include content organization, project analysis, site design, platform and browser compatibility, site usability and testing. The course also includes the use of Photoshop 6 for design prototypes, mock sites, custom graphics and optimizing images for the Web.

Course Objectives ::

At the end of this course, you will become familiar with basic concepts related to:

• Basic design theory and conventions
• Project methodology (Web design process model)
• Project planning and needs assessment
• Defining physical and logical site structures
• Approaching the visual design phase
• Block compositions and design prototypes
• Alpha and beta site testing
• Browser and platform compatibility concerns
• Accessibility issues
• Layout tables
• Fundamental Photoshop tools and UI
• Optimizing images for the Web

Prerequisite Knowledge and Skills ::

• Basic end-user knowledge of the Windows UI
• Basic understanding and familiarity with Web documents, the World Wide Web and the Internet
• Completion of HTML Fundamentals or equivalent knowledge

Texts ::

Class Binder (Instructor’s PowerPoint Presentations and handouts) (required)

Title – Don’t Make Me Think (required)
Author – Steve Krug
Publisher – New Riders
ISBN: 0-7897-2310-7

Title – The Non-Designer’s Web Book 2nd Edition (required)
Author – Robin Williams and John Tollett
Publisher – Peachpit Press
ISBN: 0-201-71038-2

Title – Yale Web Style Guide (required online; recommended for purchase)
Online – http://info.med.yale.edu/caim/manual/
Author – Patirck Lynch and Sarah Horton
ISBN: 0-300-07675-4
Price: $15.95 [$12.76 on Amazon.com]

Title – Web ReDesign | Workflow that Works (recommended)
Author – Kelly Goto & Emily Cotler
Publisher – New Riders
ISBN: 0-7357-1062-7
Price: $45.00 [$31.50 on Amazon.com]

Title – Homepage Usability – 50 Websites Deconstructed (recommended)
Author – Jakob Nielsen & Marie Tahir
Publisher – New Riders
ISBN: 0-7357-1102-X
Price: $39.00 [$27.99 on Amazon.com]

NOTE: As of December 6, 2001 Amazon.com had a special. Purchase both of the above recommended books together for the combined price of $59.49, a savings of $25.50.

Attendance ::

In order to receive credit for completion you must attend class. Be sure to initial the sign-in roster each day, it will serve as the official attendance record.

Assignments ::

All reading assignments are listed on the Course Outline handout. You will be expected to have completed all assigned reading prior to the start of the next class. Be prepared.

When provided, it is recommended that you complete the quizzes at the end of each chapter. This will help you review and retain the information you have just read and ensure that you are prepared for any potential pop-quiz.

Depending on class time some in-class exercises may become homework assignments due at the next class meeting.

Exercises ::

You are expected to participate in all in-class exercises. This will determine a portion of your participation credit.

Quizzes ::

Pop-quizzes may occasionally be given at the start of a class based on any of the previous reading assignments.

Projects ::

There will be a class project and it will count in the overall scheme. Class time will be provided to work on the project.

Credit/No Credit ::

This RCE class is offered on a credit/no credit basis, no academic credit is given. Based on your attendance, participation, and class project either a credit or no credit “grade” will be assigned.

Letter Grades ::

Letter grade equivalents will be provided to those students who submit a request form.

Course Schedule ::

Based on the pace of each individual class, the schedule of class topics and exercises may change without notice. Reading assignments will remain static.

While in Class ::

Please attempt to be on time for all class meetings and when returning from breaks. You are guaranteed to miss important information anytime you are not present.

Breaks will come at scheduled intervals. However, feel free to quietly excuse yourself at anytime, as needed.

If you need to leave early please notify me prior to the start of class. If students appear to be leaving early for no apparent reason the sign-in roster will be distributed at the end of class, rather than at the start.

At times the material being presented will be boring. Listening to “theory” is always boring regardless of topic. If at any time during class you begin to feel bored please refrain from visiting sites that may be distracting to the other students seated around you. If this appears to present a problem the internet connection of each student workstation will be disabled.

Feel free to ask questions at any time during class. Remember, some one else probably has the same question, so don’t hesitate to ask yours. Last, have fun!