Week 6 - Review Websites

WEBSITES

Jjg.net

jjg.net

This is an excellent IA resource center. Review 3 content items of your choice.
1. I enjoyed reading about the workshop Sketch/Design/Make... really all artists that work with marketing and other similar groups make these kinds of storyboards of ideas. These sketches in a storyboard layout are discussed, visualized and worked out by teams of people who are all working together to approve the ideas as final so that the item can come to fruition. It is good to see that even IA's use this technique as well.
2.I liked the language translations available... good to know that this site is being used worldwide. Great access!
3.I didn't like the teeny tiny font used down on the left side...hard to read!!!!!
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Information Architecture Research (Peter Morville, Semantic Studios) http://semanticstudios.com/publications/semantics/000030.php - read Peter's summary of important IA research topics.

Review at least one link from each research topic.

-Metaphors We Surf the Web By by Paul Maglio and Teenie Matlock (1998)

Review:
This article covers the use of language on the web. Click, go, look through search are all metaphors for actions taken on the site that takes the users to the next step in the task they are performing. This verb coding scheme is used inside action or outside action but work for the user to easily move between content and components.

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-An Update on Breadth vs. Depth by Kath Straub and Susan Weinschenk (2003)

Review:
This article is debating the debate over go shallow or deep when it comes to the menu of the site. It is determined that the number of clicks it takes for the user to get from point A to B depending on the task and information the user needs will make the shallow or deep menu debatable. It is preferred to make a the user click as little as possible... rule of thumb less is more....will it be too deep or too broad to the user...effective sub grouping and clear labels of the content intent will help the user best.

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-Faceted Metadata for Image Search and Browsing by Ping Yee, Kirsten Swearingen, Kevin Li, and Marti Hearst (2003)

Review:
This paper describes the two common ways to search images: by keyword or similar to sample images. Hierchal faceted metadata helps generate query previews of images and determined that category based approach is preferable among searchers. I personally type in keyword but I also expect images at the same time

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Media 7 is a great site!

This is a real world example of an Information Architecture focused design studio. I love the way this site is laid out. Lots of white space allowing for simple graphics that takes you to the sections they are covering/information.
It's like a portfolio of work he has done...I did notice the marketing struggle like info...love the icons used just below his simple menu on the leftside. The Inspiration page is filled with examples...I like the free images link!

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RELFECTION PAGE - Lesson 6

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"A picture is worth a thousand words"

This weeks readings basically lay out a path to make the transition from all the IA's hard research and strategy building for the design of the site into the actual beginnings of final prototypes and visual lay out of what is going to be made.
Terms like : concrete artifacts, controlled vocabularies and metadata, wireframes, and working prototypes all come into play now. The IA isn't alone in making and finalizing all these decisions. It is best for the IA to set up in person and face to face meetings to discuss "the invisible web" that is unfolding.

The IA will want to provide multiple views of the structure which can be too complex to show all at once. It is easier to break it down into segments and components for the groups of people who are signing off approval to see and understand the pieces that will fit together in the end to make the site.

It is important to develop the various strategic views of the IA structure and it's components for your audience's needs i.e. "communicate upstream for the corporate and stakeholders" that are in the meeting as well as "communicate downstream for designers and developers".

It is best to communicate visually all of the content components by grouping them together into a sequence so it makes sense to whom is viewing at that meeting.
Make connections between content components so that the viewers can visually see how the pages will fit together and how the flow of information will unfold.

The readings recommend that the IA create 'deliverables' and some examples of support layouts were given such as Microsoft's=Viso or Omni Group's OmniGraffle for Mac users
A fascinating site offering different ways to present your IA information.

Blueprints are a great deliverable tool that show relationships between pages and other content components. The rule of thumb is'less is more'. Wireframes are another great deliverable tool which depicts an individual page or template from an architectural perspective such as how to order them or which groups of information have priority. These are the kind of things that the meetings will hopefully help the team determine, approve and sign off on so that the site can begin to be made.
There are some simple guidelines for wireframes such as: consistency, charting tools support background layers, callouts-notes, page numbers, page titles, project titles, last revision date and wireframe steward. Content Modeling determines priority, forces us to choose metadata attributes and encourages following the Pareto Principle of 80-20 rule. Controlled Vocabularies helps you to walk clients through difficult decisions of making the site searchable. A basic Design sketch heps give style to the guide document that explains how the site be organized, show the why's and who it's for. Some basic standards to follow as rules include: rules for maintaining site, some guidelines for the IA about how it should be maintained, as well as maintenance procedures of regular tasks for the survival of the site.

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Week 6 - Lesson 6 Readings & Take Aways

Assigned : READINGS - This week, read Chapters 12 - 13 from the "polar bear" text.

Book: Information Architecture for the World Wide Web 3rd Edition, by Peter Morville and Louis Rosenfeld, ISBN 100596527349

CHAPTER 12
(page 291)
Making the transition easy.

Creativity and Design:
(page 292)
concrete artifacts
vocabularies
wireframes
working prototypes

Diagramming:
"invisible web" but present in person face to face

(page 293)
Guidelines to document your Architecture:
1. Provide multiple views of an IA/too complex to show all at once, break it down into segments
2. Develop views for your audience/needs i.e. communicate upstream for corporate/stakeholders....communicate downstream for designers and developers

(page 294)
Communicate visually:
1. Content components/grouped and into a sequence so it makes sense to whom is viewing
2. Connections between content components

Create you own deliverables: Microsofts Viso or Omni Group's OmniGraffle for Mac users
A fascinating site offering different ways to present your IA information.

I bookmarked this site!

(page 295)
Has a great table of deliverables - by different companies...wireframe examples and help

"a picture is worth a thousand words"

(page 296)
Blueprints
Blueprints show relationships between pages and other content components of your IA

(page 297)
Figure 12-1 Has a great illustration of a blueprint (high-level)

(page 299)
Figure 12-4=blueprint outlining greeting card web site Egreetings.com = very nice example to see how this is working.

(page 302)
RULE OF THUMB LESS IS MORE

(Page 307)
Wireframes
They depict an individual page or template from an architectural perspective, how to order them,which groups have priority

(page 308)
Figure 12-11 has a great illustration of wireframe to the greeting card site.

(page 370)
Figure 12-14 has a great image of redesign project for the Egreetings.com/with high level detail. (very helpful these diagrams!)...again... more detail, explanation of the uniqueness of the content

(page 313)
Guidelines for wireframes:
-consistency
-charting tools support background layers
-callouts-notes
-page numbers, page titles, project titles, last revision date
-wireframse steward

(page 323)
A Valuable /Process:
1. Content Modeling determines priority
2. " " forces us to choose metadata attributes
3. " " Pareto Principle 80-20 rule

(page 325)
Controlled Vocabularies
-helps you to walk clients through difficult decison making

(page 326)
-design sketches tool

(page 327)
-/figure 12-23 Basic Design sketch

(page 329)
Style Guides
-style guide document that explains how the site is organized, why, who it's for

(page 330)
-Standards:rules for maintaining site
-Guidelines: IA should be maintained
-Maintenance procedures: reg tasks for site survival

(page 331)
-Pattern library: documents and provides access to reusable aspects of the site's design

**Keep in mind the different audiences that might use the style guide.

CHAPTER 13

Education
Exerience
Apprenticeship
Formal Education
Conferences and seminars
Literature
Communities
News and opinons

REFLECTION PAGE - Lesson 5

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The polar bear text walks us through a detailed plan of action for planning out stratgies for research needed for designing a website. Morville and Rosenfeld account for the major key players that are recommended to take place in order to be successful at designing and creating a website. One of the key starters is of course, Research. Without performing this basic first step, all bets are off and there is no way to tell if what you create for the environment is actually what is needed, desired, meets the customers standards, whether it is the client business or customer user.

The second major key player that follows Research is Strategy. Strategy can take many forms and involve: contextual understanding=top-down perspective, highest two or three levels of site's org and navigational structures//bottom-down perspective document types and a rough metadata schema. Some IA questions and high points should include: goals, the business plan, politics, schedule, budget, audience, why will users want this, types of task needed, how/who will manage this, technical infrastructure, and whats has worked in the past.

The Design can be detailed blueprints, wireframes, metadata schema=graphic designers, programmers, content authors, production team which all come together using heuristic evaluation should discover and be designed to provide mulitiple ways to access the same information,
have indexes and sitemaps that employ and supplement the taxonomy of the site,
a simple and user friendly navigation system that provides users a sense of context,
a consistent use of language that is appropriate for the audience it serves as well as, a search and browse whichj should be integrated and reinforce each other within the site.
Some guidelines to follow:
1. should provide mulitiple ways to access the same information
2. indexes/sitemaps should be employed to supplement the taxonomy
3. navigation system should provide users sense of context
4. should consistently use language appropriate for audience
5. searching and browsing should be integrated and reinforce each other

Implementation should always be done. The designs are put to the test as the site is built, tested and launched. Prototypes can be used as well as Focus Groups.

Administration is the last in the major key players when forming a strategy for IA's to build a site. Generally is involves a continuous evaluation of the site in order to make improvements to the IA/design including tagging, weeding, feedback, as well as are there any opportunities for improvement.

Word Press Expert
WordPress Expert: this site has a simple desing with nice color tones and enough white space balancing the information presented to the user. This site provides great information to improve your blogs.

NYPL Conservation Lab in Action The New Public Library has presented this great video piece on conservation. The site for the library is laid out well with plenty of white space within the real estate with easy to use menus to direct your to sections you may need within the library.

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Lesson 5 - Review Websites

WEBSITES

Boxes and Arrows http://www.boxesandarrows.com/

-Boxes and Arrows is devoted to the practice, innovation, and discussion of design; including graphic design, interaction design, information architecture and the design of business.

-I like the title of the site and the simple minimimalist design and feel of the layout/simple menu at the top when hover before clicking a selection/an arrow shows up very nice... a site where you can submit stories, list/post a bio/forum, events, jobs.

-The side menu is the meat of whats inside the site offers alot of info and education about the many aspects of IA

-nicely done..well organized.. I didn't feel annoyed or frustrated by this site at all

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NewsMap http://www.marumushi.com/apps/newsmap/newsmap.cfm
Does the structure and organization of this site help or hurt the search and navigation process? Okay I think right off visually - hurt! for sure. I am put off immediately by the overdone over the top packed side to side color boxes with text. Quite simply, I don't think it works. The teeny tiny menu at the top is too small of font and there are too many items to read through to decide what they are, do I need to go there?? There is a search field by now though I have already thought I won't use the site, too much work... I also see a Register button and am also discouraged..I don't want yet another login/psswrd... ug!

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Amazon http://amazon.com/ I don't like amazon...I think there is too much different stuff visually on the front page... I only use if for book searches and purchasing something very specific that I know I want and search then browse within that screen then buy.... I don't use amazon to do alot of general browsing...I feel like I might be there for hours....ug!

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Yahoo http://www.yahoo.com/
This site is generally more open feel however, I must say this and even my hotmail account...I don't want to browse here for news or information...I just want to get into my email.
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Google http://www.google.com/ Now google is a little different. I love the white space and the blank search field. Its a breather from the visually overload of searching and reading. I do like the other types of google searches available. I rely on Google for everything. I like that About Google is just a link that will take you to a whole other page that is simple and blocked off in colors.
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Ebay http://www.ebay.com/ I never use Ebay. I don't have enough money to warrant even going there. I did on one occasion use it to search for a particular Tshirt. Page Plant Tour of which I found and bought. It seems straightforward and less overload than amazon

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Week 5 - Lesson 5 Readings & Take Aways

Assigned : READINGS - This week, read Chapters 10 - 11 from the "polar bear" text.

Book: Information Architecture for the World Wide Web 3rd Edition, by Peter Morville and Louis Rosenfeld, ISBN 100596527349

CHAPTER 10
(page 231)
Explore the process and methods for creating information architecture.

Graphic designers, software developers, content managers, usability engineers, and other experts.

Agreement on the structured development process.

(page 232)
Early days=HTML code

Figure 10.1 Process of information architecture development
Program:
1 Research
2 Strategy
3 Design
4 Implementation
5 Administration

1. Research phase: review existing background materials
2. Strategy phase: contextual understanding=top-down perspective, highest two or three levels of site's org and navigational structures//bottom-down perspective document types and a rough metadata schema
3. Design phase: detailed blueprints, wireframes, metadata schema=graphic designers, programmers, content authors, production team
4. Implementation phase: designs are put to the test as site is built, tested and launched
5. Administration phase: continuous evaluation, improvement of site's IA, tagging, weeding, feedback, opps for improvement

(page 234)
Research Framework

1. Context=purpose, investigate the business, environment, goals
2. Background research=IA questions-goals, bus plan, politics, schedule, budget, audience, why will users want this, types of task needed, how/who will manage, technical infrastructure, whats worked in the past

(page 236)
3. Strategy mtng=face-to-face meetings, small, informal, ask questions: see above questions

(page 237)
4. Content mngt mtng=owners, mngrs have detailed info/questions, establish rapport
5. Information Technology mtng=system admins who will support the site and questions: how can create metadata registry to support tagging, CMS handle automated categorization of documents

(page 238)
Stakeholders Interviews=opinion leaders open ended questions their assessment of current information environment and vision

Some questions: role of org, vision for competitive advantage, challenges they face, dept's share knowledge, strategies/teams for redesign/maintain

(page 239)
Technology Assessment=what is in place, what is in process, who's available to help, gap analysis/identify any disconnects between business goals, user needs, limitations infrastructure

Content=the stuff in your website, findability precedes usability.

Heuristic Evaluation=resdesigning existing web sites rather than creating new ones

(page 240)
heuristic eval=expert critique test site against formal/informal guidelines

Guidelines:
1. should provide mulitiple ways to access the same information
2. indexes/sitemaps should be employed to supplement the taxonomy
3. navigation system should provide users sense of context
4. should consistently use language appropriate for audience
5. searching and browsing should be integrated and reinforce each other

(page 241)
Content Analysis
-bottom up approach to information
-identify gaps between top down vision and bottom up reality
-informal survey/detailed audit
-page by page content audit
-Noahs Ark approach - checkn by a couple of items at a time

Check on:
-format
-document type
-source
-subect
-existing architecture

(page 242)
law of diminishing returns=when you reach a point when you are not learning anything new

(page 243)
Analyzing Content
Structural metadata=hierchy info of object
Decriptive metadata=think of all the different ways to describe an object, topic, audience, format?
Administrative metadata=describe object as it relates to the business context

** How can I make this object findable?

(page 244)
Benchmarking=informally indicate a point of reference from which to make a comparative measurement/judgement, comparative benchmarking, before/after benchmarking, competitive benchmarking

(page 246)
Users=respondents, visitors, actors, employees, customers, clicks, impressions, advertising, revenues, sales=ulitmate designers of your site

(page 247)
Usage Statisticsgoogle analytics/page information, visitor information=path users trace as they move through a web site=clickstream

Search Log Analysis=Best Bets strategy-looking at search logs provides valuable education for IA's/Metacrawler metaspy=real people are using to search right now

(page 250)
Customer Support Data=feedback from customers, help desk operators, call center reps, librarians, admin assistants=rich sources of info

(page 252)
Surveys=which part is most valuable, what frustrates users, any ideas for improvement, level of user satisfaction

Contextual Inquiry=anthropologist being tapped into to apply thier ethnographi research methods to product design

(page 253)
Focus Groups=potential users ask scripted questions what would they like to see/demonstrate prototype

(page 254)
Interviews=background, information use, intranet use, document publishing, suggestions

(page 255)
Card sorting=stack of index cards shuffled, have user put words on cards into piles that make sense-analyze data, can use post its

(page 256)
diff dimensions of card sorting
-open/closed
-phrasing
-granularity
-heterogeneity
-cross listing
-randomness
-quantitative/qualitative

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CHAPTER 11

(PAGE 264)
-elements of IA strategy
-guidelines for moving from research to strategy
-metaphors, scenerios, condeptual diagrams to bring strategy to life

(page 265)
Information Architecture Administration=create realistic stratgey
Technology intergration=leverage existing tools and identify needs for addtl technology
Top-down or bottom-up emphasis=current status of the site, political environment, IA model
Ogranization and labeling systems (top-down)=schemes for the site
Document type identification(bottom-up)=document and object types, articles, white papers, financial calculator, online course module...
Metadata field definition=define administrative, structural and descriptive metadata.. or global
Navigation system design=how will this leverage top-down or bottom-up strategies

(page 269)
Strategy development process diagram Figure 11.2

(page 270)
Articulate=ideas informal scriblles, diagrams, notes, whiteboard

Communicate=effective ways ideas to target audience

(page 271)
Test=no excuse not to test, prototypes, metaphors(organizational, functional, visual)

(page 281)
Weather.com

(page 287)
Metadata

example:

Metadata element Example

author Terrell Johnson
publisher Jody Fennell
title Antigua hardest hit by Jose
date Thu Oct 21 1999
expiration date 1031999 12:01:23
links /news/102199/story.htm
document type news story.glossary term
subject area tropical storm
keywords Jose, Antigua, damage, intensity
related to breaking weather, news stories, severe weathermaps
geographic access levels local city, local regional, national
geographic areas Antigua, North Carloina, South Carolina

Thesaurus=building blocks to help users find info more easily

Lesson 4 - Review Websites

WEBSITES - review the following sites:

"How Much Information?"
How Much Information

This study from UCBerkeley estimates the quantity of new information produced each year. As this study makes clear, there is a massive amount of information out there to be organized.

-My take on this site first theres too much open unused real estate/too much white space... so poorly designed visually. And whats with all the question mark icons in the text??
exabyte=An exabyte (derived from the SI prefix exa-) is a unit of information or computer storage equal to one quintillion bytes (short scale). It is commonly abbreviated EB. When used with byte multiples, the unit indicates a power of 1000=a new word for me...interesting...sounds like quite alot....

The statistical information about the amount of things/info being stored and the data about it increasing - amazing and scary at the same time. Can we handle this? Can we handle what the future holds for storing data?

Print, film, magnetic, and optical storage media produced about 5 exabytes of new information in 2002. Ninety-two percent of the new information was stored on magnetic media, mostly in hard disks.

Table 1.1 is great. I for sure bookmarked this website for this information alone.
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PEW Internet & American Life Project
Pew

This site is a national research project detailing many important aspects of Internet (and Internet related technologies) adoption and usage.

PEW=nonprofit "fact tank" that provides information on the issues, attitudes and trends shaping America and the world. The Project produces reports exploring the impact of the internet on families, communities, work and home, daily life, education, health care, and civic and political life.

Layout and design visually looks great. The side index Very interesting compilation of information about information gathered and otherwise.

I particularly liked that fact that this group is focused on research pertaining the internet, the digital divide and usage. Amazing the amount of data and research they have done.
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CIADA
CIADA

This site is a global Internet research firm. In particular, check out their Internet topography maps. While it is not necessary for IA's to understand Internet Infrastructure from an engineering point of view, it is a good idea to be aware of just how massive and global the Internet is.

Okay I love the logo and design but don't like the tiny font links. It's hard to read for us folks that already have to wear computer glasses.

The typography map is very complex full of information that has so tiny of font I can't read it...yikes! But I uploaded the pic for the blog. There are sections of Papers, Blogs, and New..

The IPv6 Topology Dataset contains information useful for studying the IP- and AS-topology of the IPv6 Internet. The focus of this measurement is on discovering topology and not on finding responding destinations. A globally distributed set of Archipelago (Ark) monitors has continuously collected this data since December 12, 2008.

Analysis of Saphire Worm=this section has information and studies on self-propagating malicious code that exploits the vulnerability-worms or viruses.

Of course, I clicked on Animation but it just blinks...I thought maybe it would have an anmimated trail of a virus or something.