MOKV2400 Web Publishing and Information Architecture Course description

Web Publishing and Information Architecture will introduce the student to creating well-designed web pages and web-sites. The course gives theoretical and practical introduction to structure, navigation, search and design methods, as well as to basic HTML and CSS coding and web publishing systems.

Web Publishing and Information Architecture is an optional course in the 4th semester of the bachelor programme, and is one of the courses exchange students may choose. The tuition is in English if exchange students are present.

Knowledge

The student can

• understand the role of information architecture in design of websites
• can discuss for diverse strategies and methods for information search and navigation on websites
• is knowledgeable of principles of user centered and universal design
• can conduct methods of design processes
• has practical knowledge of responsive design
• has basic knowledge of HTML and CSS
• has basic knowledge in content management systems

Skills

The student can

• analyze the relation between context, content and user groups and identify user friendly design from a user perspective
• are able to plan, design, publish and maintain web sites using-design methods and user involvement
• are able to communicate design of information architecture
• area able to publish and maintain websites with publishing tools for WWW

General skills

The student can

• understand how the organization of information and content on a website has influence on user experience and usability of a website

• Information architecture and usability
• User centered design, user experience, participatory design
• Responsive design and universal design
• HTM, CSS and web publishing systems

Lectures, creative workshop sessions and guiding sessions in the lab. The student works individually and in groups.

There are four coursework requirements. Each are connected to, and handed in, after a part of the programme is completed. The estimated workload for each requirement is approximately 5-10 hours. The coursework requirements are approved by the course leader, and the students will get individual feedback from the lecturer on each requirement. All coursework requirements must be approved before the student may sit for the exam.

The exam consists of an individual web-site project and a written report followed by an oral examination.

In the project the student shall plan and develop a web site about an approved theme for a target group of their own choice. The project represents around 2 weeks of work and the web site shall comprise around 10 pages or equivalent. The students are expected to work on the project throughout the term. The students must also hand in the URL for their web site. The web site must be published on the student network at Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences.

The idea, process and product must be documented in a project report that reflects upon, and analyses the process. The report is 5-10 pages and draws on theory presented in the syllabus. It must deal with:

• Aim and target group
• Choice of structure, navigation and search
• User-friendliness and universal principles
• Technical choices'
• Layout and presentation'
• Copyright

The web site and the project report is given a summarised evaluation. The oral exam will focus on the student`s knowledge and understanding of web design in relation to:

• User centered and user experience
• Principles of universal design and responsive design
• Adaption of information architecture to aim and target group of the website
• Correct use of HTML and CSS on the web site

Students who have failed to pass the ordinary examination and students with legitimate absence are entitled to a new examination.

Both the written and oral examination is assessed by an internal and an external examiner, using grades scaled from A-F, with E being the lowest pass grade. The oral examination can adjust the grade up or down one grade. The result is published after the oral examination.

Both the written and oral examination is assessed by an internal and an external examiner, using grades scaled from A-F, with E being the lowest pass grade. The oral examination can adjust the grade up or down one grade. The result is published after the oral examination.