_objectives
_to introduce the features & characteristics of online data repositories & their design (information architecture, interface design, website design, information design)
_to introduce the principles of internet programming, including DHTML, PHP, MySQL, DOM, Javascript, AJAX
_to introduce the importance of usability studies in user experience design

_description
this course unit will investigate the increasing importance of information repositories that are currently available online. web logs, wikis, image diaries, online exhibitions, etc. are examples of a emerging movement that attempts to collect, order, categories and curate large amounts of specialized data in comprehensible and enjoyable online repositories that users can explore interactively.
students are asked to design, develop and prototype an online repository that collects personal experiences within the Architecture Building of the University of Sydney through describing combinations of sensorial events. visual, tactile, audible, olfactory and edible stimulations occuring at this physical location will be carefully documented and stored in appropiate databases. these datasets, generated independently by all students, will be merged & made available online through novel interfaces that utilize data-driven internet programming techniques.
conceptually, this course unit will explore the current era of online data collections & their emergent, self-motivated information curation. students will also be made aware of basic Internet concepts (e.g. bandwidth, browser technology), information architecture & information design issues (e.g. data characteristics, usability evaluation) within the context of current information-based interfaces on the Internet.
technically, students will learn the basics of internet technology (e.g. TCP/IP, packet switching) & programming languages such as DHTML, PHP, Javascript, AJAX, mySQL, etc.

_outcomes
_a design & working prototype of an online data repository, based on a dynamic website structure & real-time database querying
_a novel visual interface design that enables users to explore data from a user experience context
_a user evaluation report, examining the usability & user experience of the user interface