Information Architecture and Internships

Information Architecture

My web design and development class requires us to write 5 important concepts about information architecture. However, I (as I am sure many of you) had no idea what information architecture was. Luckily for me the chapter actually defines it (a total surprise, of course). What an information architect does is analyze, organize and label information on websites so regular people can actually find what they are looking for. I suppose this means that information architects are not regular people... :D

   
1. Information architect responsibilities: develops documentation on the primary audience goals, persona(s) or fictional character representing the audience, current content inventory, competitive analysis, content strategy statement, content outline, content gap analysis, site diagram, page description diagrams and wireframes. They are very much involved with the website planning process.
   
2. Defining the project: requires an interview of the client, a project brief based on the information given by the client, document technical specifications for what they wish to have on the site, develop a maintenance plan of how often the site will be updated and reviewed, and create timelines for when each phase of the project will be done.
   
3. Interviewing the client: there should be a list of questions written out to gain information from the client. Preferably, try to give the client the list before the interview, thus the client will know the answers or have pondered on them, and so you can begin work. Do not give them the answers.
   
4. Project brief: simplifying all the information given in the interview into a one-page project brief. It’s to confirm that you understood what the client said they wanted/needed and you’ll use it to share the big picture with those working on the project.
   
5. Maintenance plan: the content must be kept complete, current and accurate. It’s important to clarify how the site will be maintained and who will be responsible for it.

These are all ideas that go great with web designing, but with that not being my particular goal in life, I see it as also a way to help with any company or business. These steps would help make any company successful with their costumers, and you could make it individualized: making sure the information is organized, making sure the project (any project) is defined, if there is a client make sure the you know what the client wants and then putting it into one page so all those involved can easily access it and know the big pictures. Finally, making sure everything is maintained; how often and who maintains it.

Internship

The Web Design and Development majors all have to have an internship. I do not believe with my English-Creative Writing major that an internship is required. However, during the in class discussion on this topic, I thought to how this could benefit me as well. It gives relevant work experience in your field of study. It offers a possibility of a full-time job opportunity and helps you discover what you do or don’t like. You also can rub shoulders with those who are experts in that area. Beginnings of a great networking if you work it right. I love how networking is basically an I-know-someone-who-knows-someone and it can get you a job. Also, an internship. Networking can cause you to end up where you want to be, but it’s amazing at how many connections you have, but you have to become aware of them and strengthen those connections. It’s recommended to make contact at least 3 to 6 months perviously. Our guest speaker said:

The internship should be done on the off-track semester, about your Junior Year. Begin to network by creating a list of people you know who may know someone. You are responsible to finding the place to intern at. Research some companies and industries you are interested in, one relevant to your major or minor. It’s recommended that you go to a paying internship rather than volunteer. Have it approved by the school before you accept.

It’s very possible to do multiple internships, but I’ll only receive credit for one. Though with me not having to even have an internship I do not know if I’ll gain any credit. But I think that this would be a great idea for me to do. It’d look great on any resume and give me great experience in the field of my choice, making it easier for me to get into that same field.