Course Title: Design information architecture
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2017
Course Code: COSC6214C
Course Title: Design information architecture
School: 345T Media and Communication
Campus: City Campus
Program: C5361 - Diploma of Screen and Media (Interactive Media)
Course Contact: Program Administration
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4815
Course Contact Email: mcvet@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Jeanie Hague-Smith
e: jeanie.hague-smith@rmit.edu.au
ph: 9925 4815
Nominal Hours: 70
Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
Pre-requisites and Co-requisites
None
Course Description
This course investigates the skills and knowledge required to design, test and develop the information architecture of interactive media products, such as simple web sites.
It applies to individuals who work collaboratively with clients and senior team members to develop content, structure and navigation of interactive media products. They also test the prototype.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
CUADIG505 Design information architecture |
Element: |
1. Identify project requirements |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Discuss design briefs with relevant personnel to clarify production requirements 1.2 Identify technical parameters of interactive media products, including the delivery platform, that may influence the architecture 1.3 Identify characteristics of target audience or users who will seek and search content 1.4 Assess content to be integrated into or generated by interactive media products |
Element: |
2. Classify and organise content |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Research and select relevant thesaurus and metadata standards or tagging methodology 2.2 Organise and construct a content inventory, using classification techniques such as taxonomy or folksonomy, to detail levels of hierarchy 2.3 Assign content labels that are appropriate and meaningful for target audiences 2.4 Identify content search and browse requirements 2.5 Discuss proposed content classification with relevant personnel to confirm it meets project requirements |
Element: |
3. Draft information architecture design specifications |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Sketch overall architecture, showing relationships and pathways between interactive content 3.2 Design forms that detail content input process, if required 3.3 Specify search functionality and search return displays 3.4 Construct wireframes of the content architecture and navigation pathways 3.5 Write draft design specifications and advice for development teams 3.6 Present draft design specifications for discussion and feedback from other team members 3.7 Amend draft design specifications to accommodate feedback as required 3.8 Discuss final draft design specifications with clients and adjust if necessary to meet project requirements |
Element: |
4. Finalise information architecture designs |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Conduct usability testing using appropriate testing techniques 4.2 Incorporate changes to information architecture in design specifications based on test results 4.3 Obtain final agreement from relevant personnel for finished design |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to develop and manage simple HTML websites. In addition, you will to plan information architecture and perform pre-release testing.
Details of Learning Activities
In class learning activities may include, but are not limited to:
• lectures and/or lab work
• teacher directed group activities and projects
• concept development of group and individual projects
• group discussions and class presentations
• peer and teacher feedback
• WIP (work in progress) reviews
• self directed online, library and industry research
• self directed project production work and reflection
• class excursions to events and locations outside of RMIT
Out of class activities may include, but are not limited to:
• maintaining secure daily backups of all assessment and project data
• accessing online tutorial resources
• self directed online, library and industry research
• self directed project production work and reflection
• class excursions to events and locations outside of RMIT
Teaching Schedule
Wk |
Class content - Web 1 |
Assessments |
Wk 1 |
Introduction to Web 1 (Design Information Architecture) Outline Assessments Overview of Web Jargon, history & design trends. Start coding first website in basic HTML using text Edit. Hello World uploaded to Digital Media Server. |
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Wk 2 |
HTML basics 1 – code a basic 2 page website Introduce A01 - Code a basic 2 page HTML website Links on the web & folder structure Web colour models, set up Dreamweaver as editor. |
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Wk 3 |
HTML basics 2 – code a basic website HTML Formatting a page - semantics Dreamweaver Workspace basics. Meta & Head - Page Titles, Page Structure - Semantics Tags: Formatting, Paragraphs, Headings, Lists, Links, Images & linking basic images. |
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Wk 4
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HTML & CSS basics 1 – code a basic website HTML & CSS More HTML Formatting CSS – inline, internal - or external (linked). Background Colour & fonts Class selectors and IDs – re-using classes - comments |
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Wk 5 |
HTML & CSS basics 2 Values and Units: Pixels, %, or Ems. Image formats for Web. |
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Wk 6 |
HTML & CSS basics 3 Font Properties Line Height & Paragraph Saving out assets from Adobe photoshop for layout. Links and linking Vender prefixes |
|
Wk 7 |
WIP review – Present your progress A01 - Code a basic 2 page HTML website Uploaded to Digital Media Server. Trouble shooting HTML code in browser & WC3. Studio Time Upload Site Codepen |
A01 - Code a basic 2 page HTML website |
Wk 8 |
A01 review and project feedback. Introduce A02 – Website design and prototype (ungraded) Prototypes and User Testing Rapid design and wireframe a given website and make a paper prototype (Low-fidelity prototype) of the website. Personas and Scenarios - basics. Wireframe, Sitemaps Crazy 8s – wireframes/ design creation. |
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Wk 9 |
WIP review – Present your progress A02 - Website design and prototype Complete Video user testing of the website on another group of students. Critique the prototype design. |
A02 - Website design and prototype |
Wk 10 |
A02 review and project feedback - Feedback Prototyping and User Testing Introduce A03 – Design and Code HTML/CSS website Final website design document for St Kilda Festival website (or a negotiated theme of your own) and coded website. |
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Wk 11 |
Design and Code a website. (St Kilda Festival website) Moodboard, Design document, colour schemes/styleguides Layout options Typography Building wireframes for website. Style guides. |
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Wk 12 |
WIP review – Present your progress - A03 - Design and Code HTML/CSS website Studio Time Organising Files for coding Creating design assets for the web |
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Wk 13
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Extracting image assets From Illustrator and/or Photoshop for coding. Design to code. Different layout options for Navigation Flexbox |
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Wk 14 |
Website development & studio time |
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Wk 15 |
WIP review – Present your progress - A03 - Design and Code HTML/CSS website Website development & studio time |
A03 - Design and Code HTML/CSS website |
Wk 16 |
Scheduled review and feedback of all assessments Testing website & trouble shooting |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
None |
References
The University Library has extensive resources. The Library has produced a number of subject guides that includes quality online and print resources for your studies. The Library provides guides and subject specialist help via your Liaison Librarians. |
Other Resources
Students are encouraged to make full use of class time, open studio time and University computer lab resources. Please consult the RMIT University web site for details of access times and locations.
Other required resources include, but are not limited to: an A4 or A3 visual diary, drawing materials (pencils of various grades (1B & 2B), erasers, coloured pencils and pens, graphic markers such as Copic brand) broadband internet access, suitable digital media storage such as a portable hard drive or USB flash drive, with at least 32Gb capacity.
Make use of RMIT's library: HTML and CSS3 Introductory in Cardigan St Library
https://www.codecademy.com/learn/web
http://www.w3schools.com/html/default.asp
Overview of Assessment
Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge of course content is assessed through participation in practical exercises, knowledge assessment tasks and may include practical team based projects.
Assessment Tasks
This course is assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment.To demonstrate competency you must complete the following pieces of assessment to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task. Once you have demonstrated competency, you will receive a grade for Assessment Task A03 and for the course. Please refer to the assessment brief for full assessment criteria or assessment rubric. All assessment documents are available on the course Blackboard page through MyRMIT.
Ungraded Tasks:
A01 - Code a basic 2 page HTML website.
Explore the fundamentals of web development by hand coding a basic HTML website.
Due week 7
A02 - Website design and prototype (group).
Design and build a functioning paper prototype wireframe of a website. Complete user testing to inform a final build.
Due week 9
Graded Task:
A03 - Design and Code HTML/CSS website.
Design and code an HTML/CSS website. The theme for this project is either the St. Kilda Festival, or a negotiated theme of your own.
Due week 15
Graded assessment in this course uses the following grades:
CHD - Competent with High Distinction
CDI - Competent with Distinction
CC - Competent with Credit
CAG - Competency Achieved - Graded
NYC - Not Yet Competent
DNS - Did Not Submit for Assessment
Assessment Matrix
The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant unit of competency.
The assessment matrix for this course can be found on Blackboard through myRmit, or from your teacher.
Other Information
Please refer to the RMIT student page for extensive information about study support, assessment, extensions, appeals and a range of other matters: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students
Cover Sheet for Submissions:
You must complete and sign a submission cover sheet for every piece of submitted work, including online submissions.
http://mams.rmit.edu.au/s1llva641yxuz.pdf
Attendance:
Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises
It is strongly advised that you attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully.
Assessment Feedback:
You will receive spoken and written feedback on all your work. Where relevant, this feedback will also include suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.
http://www1.rmit.edu.au/policies/assessment-policy
Student Progress:
Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy designed to assist you in achieving your learning potential.
http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/acadprogress
Adjustments to Assessment (eg. applying for an extension of time):
If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment satisfactorily by the due date, you can choose to apply for an adjustment to your assessment. RMIT University offers a range of adjustments designed to support you in your studies, including an extension of time to complete the assessment.
http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment/adjustment
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism:
RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy.
http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/academic-integrity
Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning:
Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification).
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.
Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) RCC applies only if you have previously successfully demonstrated competence in a unit of competency, and now require to be reassessed to ensure that the competence is being maintained.
Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer, RPL, or RCC for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.
http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/enrolment/credit
Course Overview: Access Course Overview