CUADIG505
Design information architecture


Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to design the information architecture of an interactive media product.

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.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Identify project requirements

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

2. Classify and organise content

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

3. Draft information architecture design specifications

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

4. Finalise information architecture designs

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

Evidence of Performance

Evidence of the ability to:

research and organise content to meet project requirements

develop design specifications to meet the project requirements, including:

sketches showing relationships and pathways

detailed wire frames

written specifications and advice for developers

conduct usability testing on information architecture concept designs

present and discuss design specifications.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.


Evidence of Knowledge

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

describe application of taxonomy and folksonomy content classification techniques

describe application of metadata standards to specific products

explain the purpose of a thesaurus in organising content

describe usability testing techniques relevant to information architecture design

describe typical formats and techniques for documenting information architecture designs.


Assessment Conditions

Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in creative arts industry environments. The assessment environment must include access to:

interactive media proposals or briefs on which designs can be based

sample content

facilities and resources for testing information architecture designs.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational educational and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.


Foundation Skills

This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.

Skill

Performance

Criteria

Description

Reading

1.2-1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 2.4, 3.1-3.5, 3.7

Selects and critically analyses information from a variety of sources to clarify details and inform concept development

Integrates detailed information and ideas from a variety of sources

Writing

1.1-1.4, 2.2, 2.3,

3.1, 3.2, 3.5, 3.7, 4.2

Develops detailed design specifications incorporating amendments and instructions for others

Applies labels that can easily be interpreted by target audience

Oral Communication

1.1, 2.5, 3.8

Participates effectively in spoken interactions using language and features appropriate to the audience

Uses questioning and listening strategies to confirm project requirements and elicit relevant feedback

Interact with others

1.1, 2.5, 3.6, 3.8, 4.3

Collaborates with others throughout all stages of the design process

Selects and uses appropriate practices and protocols to communicate with a range of audiences

Get the work done

1.1-1.4, 2.1-2.5, 3.1-3.8, 4.1-4.3

Adopts a methodical and logical approach to planning, organising and implementing tasks required to meet requirements

Takes responsibility for analysing information and making decisions to ensure designs meet all requirements

Uses digital tools to assist with design tasks


Sectors

Visual Communication – Digital Content and Imaging