Summer class in Information Architecture

I am taking a class over the summer through IST @ Syracuse University. The name of the class is "Information Architecture for Internet Services." My intention is to convey some of the things I learn in that class here. I also plan to post links to all of the assignments I hand in and other tid bits I think may be useful to the "librarian community."

Our first assignment is to critique this website based on two criteria: organization and labeling. In the first week introductory lecture we are instructed to "critique...in terms of how you currently understand the two criteria above." So the assignment is basically a benchmark to prove how much we have learned throughout the semester.

The assignment is due on Friday, I will post it when I turn it in.

Here is a key excerpt from the introductory lecture:

Gio Ponti once observed that the job of an architect is to "interpret the life of the inhabitants." The information architect's job is not that different. The IA's role is to interpret the needs of the Web site user then meet those needs by aiding in the planning and design of that online space.

Information architecture is the intersection of technology, strategy, and design. If well thought out and planned then all three elements will seamlessly connect to produce a cohesive and rewarding user-experience. If poorly planned, users will be lost, confused and frustrated. At which point, there's a good chance they will not revisit/reuse the site again.

My role for this course is to teach you the fundamental principles, concepts and know-how of information architecture as it applies to user-centered Web site design and development—regardless of your current programming or graphic design skills. Starting with the first critique, begin to look at Web sites more objectively, from a user's perspective. Also, consider non-Web user-experiences, products, and spaces (e.g., stores, airports, ATMs, cell phones) and think about how they organize and present their content.

The Venn diagram above is a graphical representation of the principles behind Information Architecture (IA). Each of the three circles comes together to instruct the Information Architect as to how content should be organzed and displayed.

Did you notice how the professor calls IA the "intersection of technology, strategy, and design," while the picture I included uses the words "content" "context" and "users?" Hmmmm...I am getting the sense that there is some ambiguity in the basic taxonomy of IA, such as many aspects of the study of information in the academic setting. Could we dare say that IA is controversial...?

Alright...I will also include a link here to the IA page on Wikipedia. Take a look, you may learn a thing or two. I did.