information architecture
See also: information architectures
The Information Architecture document outlines the structure, organization, and categorization of content and features within a web application to ensure intuitive user experiences. Several principles guide the creation of this document:
User-Centric Approach
Design the IA based on user research and behavior to ensure that the organization of content aligns with users' mental models and expectations.
Clear Hierarchy
Establish a clear and logical hierarchy of information, prioritizing key content and features based on user needs and business goals.
Consistency
Maintain consistent navigation, labeling, and interactions throughout the application to enhance predictability and usability.
Scalability
Design an IA that can accommodate future growth and new content/features without significant restructuring, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Accessibility and Inclusivity
Ensure the IA is accessible to all users, considering various abilities and devices to provide an inclusive experience.
Site Map
A site map is a visual representation or diagram illustrating the structure and organization of a website or web application. It outlines the various pages, sections, and how they are connected, showcasing the overall navigation and relationships within the system.
In relation to information architecture, a site map is a key component.
It provides a high-level view of the IA by showcasing the hierarchy and relationships between different pages or sections of the website or application.
The site map helps in visualizing the IA's structure, making it easier to identify gaps, redundancies, or complexities in the organization of content and features.
This visualization aids in refining the IA document, ensuring that the information architecture aligns with the intended user experience and organizational objectives.
The site map acts as a navigational guide, assisting both designers and stakeholders in understanding the system's structure.
Consider the Following
Navigation (Main)
Clearly defined primary sections and their hierarchy within the application.
Navigation (Secondary)
Subsections or secondary pages within each primary section, illustrating the user flow and relationships.
Content Pages
Pages containing relevant content, detailing the purpose, layout, and intended information on each page.
Interactive Elements
Illustration of interactive elements such as buttons, forms, or pop-ups to indicate user interaction points.
Search Functionality
If applicable, inclusion of the search feature and how it integrates into the application's structure.
Error Pages
Representation of error pages or messages and how they are linked within the application for a seamless user experience.
User Roles and Permissions
Clarification of user roles and their respective access levels, showcasing restricted or privileged areas.
Contact Information
Integration of feedback mechanisms or contact points within the application for users to communicate or provide feedback.
Legal and Compliance Pages
Inclusion of legal pages, privacy policies, terms of use, etc., as needed for compliance and transparency.
Eight Basic Information Architecture Principles
In your role as a UX designer, you should be familiar with the eight basic principles of information architecture. These are principles created by the founder of EightShapes, Dan Brown. They were created to help UX designers understand and make decisions about their products.
Here’s a list of the eight principles:
Object principle
You should view your content as living and as something that changes and grows over time.
Choice principle
People think they want to have many choices, but they actually need fewer choices that are well-organized.
Disclosure principle
Information should not be unexpected or unnecessary.
Exemplar principle
Humans put things into categories and group different concepts together.
Front door principle
People will usually arrive at a homepage from another website.
Multiple classification principle
People have different ways of searching for information.
Focused navigation principle
There must be a strategy and logic behind the way navigation menus are designed.
Growth principle
The amount of content in a design will grow over time.