Information Architecture for Online Training

The Information Architecture Challenge

In 2006, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) embarked on a project to upgrade their entire enterprise with SAP, known internally as the PRIDE Project. We needed online training to supplement classroom training for 2,000 employees. To meet the need, I led the Web team, determined the information architecture, and created the visual design for PRIDE University, the PTC's first intranet training site that had many requirements, including:

• Extensibility – Because training requirements likely to grow over a long period, the site needed to be able to expand without a redesign or a horizontal scroll. To meet this requirement, I created an information architecture and visual design that accommodated content expansion, despite the PTC frequent use of 800 pixel screen resolution.
• Intuitive Navigation – Because the PTC included a large user base with limited application skills, it was important the information architecture to be presented in a manner that was easy to understand. In terms of site navigation. Working with the Training Team, I utilized taxonomies understandable to the users and created a navigation scheme with clear affordances for current location and the desired path to information.
• Modular Construction – It was a given the training curriculum would need to be adjusted. As such, the site information architecture needed to be agile. Working with the site's Dot Net developer, I ensured the site's IA worked with a modular code design.