IA
Category: Information Architecture
What is Information Architecture?
Information Architecture (IA) is the practice of organizing, structuring and labeling content in an effective and sustainable way. The goal is to help users find information and complete their tasks successfully.
IA creates the "skeleton" of every digital product, which determines how information is organized, structured and presented to users.
Main components of IA:
1. Organization Systems
The ways to group and categorize information:
- Hierarchical - from general to specific (most often used)
- Sequential - step by step, like in a manual
- Matrix - multiple ways to access the content
- Chronological - ordered by time line
- By topic - grouped by subject areas
2. Labeling Systems
How we present and name information:
- Clear and understandable labels
- Consistent terminology
- Language, close to the users
- Avoiding technical jargon
3. Navigation Systems
How users navigate through information:
- Global navigation - main menu
- Local navigation - submenus and sections
- Contextual navigation - related content
- "Breadcrumbs" - location guide
4. Search Systems
How users find information through search:
- Search field
- Filters and sorting
- Autocomplete
- Extended search
Main principles of IA:
Object principle
The content should be treated as a living thing, which grows and changes
Choice principle
Too many choices lead to paralysis of the decision
Reveal principle
Show only the necessary information at the right moment
Example principle
Examples are useful for describing the content of categories
Door principle
Users enter websites from different points
Multiple classification principle
Users have different ways to find information
Focused navigation principle
Navigation should not be mixed with unrelated content
Process of designing IA:
Research and analysis
- Business goals analysis
- Research on users and their needs
- Content analysis
- Competitor analysis
Synthesis and strategy
- Defining user personas
- Creating user scenarios
- Developing IA strategy
Design and design
- Creating taxonomies
- Designing navigation
- Labeling content
- Creating sitemaps and wireframes
Testing and validation
- Card sorting tests
- Tree testing
- Usability tests
- Iterations and improvements
Implementation and support
- Documentation of IA
- Collaboration with developers
- Continuous improvement and adaptation
Key documents and results of IA:
- Sitemaps - visual representation of the structure of the website
- Taxonomies - systems for categorizing content
- Wireframes - schematic representations of pages
- Mental maps - visual representation of links
- User flows - diagrams of user paths
- Meta data schemes - standards for describing content
Benefits of good IA:
- Improved user experience
- Reduction of maintenance costs
- Better visibility in search engines (SEO)
- Increased conversion and achievement of goals
- Easy management of content
- Reduction of the need for training
Good practices in IA:
- Start from the users - understand their mental models
- Be consistent in organizing and labeling
- Create clear paths for finding information
- Use simple and understandable language
- Provide multiple ways to access the content
- Design for growth and change
- Test and iterate regularly