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MM1121 - INFORMATION DESIGN Spring 2006 Instructor: Laura Cesari - lacesari@onebox.com DUE WEEK 2: (2 items) I) HOMEWORK #1: WARNING SIGNS (5pts) The US Forest Service would like a new design of the infographics it uses in Grand Canyon National Park to warn park visitors of some of the hazards of visiting the Grand Canyon. Create 3 "road signs" that include a Graphic for each message, as well as the words. There are three key messages the Forest Service wishes to communicate to visitors: * Do not feed the animals * Danger, stay back from cliff edges * Always stay on trails ALL GRAPHICS MUST BE YOUR ORIGINAL WORK - DO NOT USE CLIP ART! Turn in digital files of your work in .jpg or .gif format. II) READING #1: Introduction & Chapter 1. (2pts) Answer questions in writing - please type or write neatly. 1) How would you explain "Information Architecture" to a stranger in an elevator? (1 or 2 sentences) 2) What are some of the problems that Information Architects have to deal with? 3) How much text are you willing to read on the web? What advice would you give to an online magazine about how to present writing on the web? 4) Do you prefer scrolling or clicking? In what case would you recommend each? 5) What is a visual hierarchy? Why is it important in Web Design? 6) What does it mean to be "above the fold"? What type of items should be above the fold? 7) What does the author mean by "the susceptible moment" in a user's experience? 8) What is "requirements gathering?" At what phase of a project should you gather requirements? *********************************** WEEKLY OUTLINE: All homework (HW) is due @ beginning of class the following week. Week 1: Introductions HW: Warning Signs Reading: Introduction and Chapter 1: Gurus and Rules Definition: Signs and Symbols Reference: mycrazyhobby.com - Street Sign Collection Article: Immigrant Family Freeway Sign Week 2: InfoGraphics 1 HW: Food Pyramid Reading: Chapter 2: First Principles Week 3: InfoGraphics 2 HW: "Music Poster" rough draft Reading: Chapters 3 & 4: Balancing Business, Technology and Users Week 4: Navigation & User Behaviors HW: "Music Poster" final version Week 5: Organization Reading: Chapters 5 & 6: Organization Systems & METAdata Week 6: META tags & Searchability HW: Map rough draft Reading: Chapter 7: Personas & Scenarios Week 7: Personas & Scenarios HW: Map final version Reading: Chapter 8: Interface Design Week 8: Site Mapping HW: Site Blueprint & Wireframes Reading: Chapter 9: Documentation Week 9: Paper Prototyping HW: Site Comps Reading: Chapters 10, 11, 12: Summary Week 10: Project Lab HW: Finish Site Design HW: Presentation Board of Site Development Process |