What Is Information Architecture?- Organization of information so that regular people can find it
- The art and science of organizing and labeling websites, intranets, online communities and software to support usability and findability
- Focus on bringing principles of web design and architecture to the digital landscape
Benefits To Web Design And Usability
- Information is better organized
- Overall usability and findability is increased
- Navigation is smoother and more intuitive
- Helps web designers to avoid information overload
Content, Context, Users
Information Architects must seek out their primary audience and deliver the content that they desire. This requires a strong understanding of who your users are, what information they are looking for, how they will be using the information and then finally getting that information to them at the right time and in a layout that is easy to understand/navigate. Below are a few steps that may help this process...
- Ensure navigation supports user task
- Understand the mission or purpose of the website
- Develop content inventory
- Use Wireframes to communicate design ideas early on
- Maintain consistency throughout your pages
- Don't be afraid of surveys, polls, and interviews to better understand user expectations
Good web design and usability does not just happen, it is a well thought out process that needs to include information architecture. IA provides the blueprint for building a successful site that includes the right content, in the right place, at the right time, for the targeted users
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