case+study


 * Assignment 1: Case Study (to be completed in pairs) **
 * Due Date: Feb 2nd – to be handed in in class (no e-submissions permitted) **
 * Evaluation: 10% of final grade **

Over the last two weeks we've familiarized ourselves with Drupal's burgeoning popularity – as mentioned in class, it is now the CMS behind 1.5-2% of the sites on the internet. Drupal.org maintains a list of [|high profie examples] that demonstrate the breadth of potential applications that the platform can be utilized for. Choose any of the sites listed on this page // except // the sites already have case studies associated with them and prepare a 750 word case study on the design and organization of the site. This case study should take into account:
 * the types and frequency of content published on the site
 * the number of authors or contributors and the intended audience
 * an analysis of the organization of the landing page and any other prominent or sophisticated pages on the site (If there are many, focus on a select few)
 * speculation (or, if possible, research) as to how Drupal is being used on the site
 * commentary on what aspects of the navigation and information architecture of the site you feel are successful and unsuccessful (given the brief nature of the assignment, don't bother proposing any solutions)

Some additional things to consider:
 * Feel free to use and/or annotate screen captures and diagrams
 * Drupal sites that are not listed within the drupal.org case study page may be chosen, but you must clear your choice with me first

If you took 360 last semester, it may be useful to return to the some of the principals covered in // [|Information Architecture: Blueprints for the Web] // when analyzing the site you are examining.

// Please note the available sites on the signup page – these area available on a first come, first serve basis (so put your and your partners name next to a case study to 'claim' it). It is possible to examine other sites built in Drupal with the permission of the instructor. Be prepared to spend some time exploring your site, in some cases you'll have to sign up in order to gain access to your subject. //

If you have the capacity to talk about what modules are being used on these sites (and how) that is great – but I don't expect this of you as the majority of you have only just started using this platform. Also, I will be asking some of you to present your work to the class in early February.


 * Evaluation: **

Marks will be awarded for:
 * clarity/quality of writing
 * thoroughness of analysis
 * comprehension/application of information architecture fundamentals evident within analysis

The standard late penalties will apply.