What is information architecture?
Information architecture is the term used to describe the structure of a system, i.e the way information is grouped, the navigation methods and terminology used within the system.
An effective information architecture enables people to step logically through a system confident they are getting closer to the information they require.
Most people only notice information architecture when it is poor and stops them from finding the information they require.
Information architecture is most commonly associated with websites and intranets, but it can be used in the context of any information structures or computer systems.
In Information Architecture for the World Wide Web: Designing Large-Scale Web Sites we define information architecture as:
- The combination of organisation, labelling, and navigation schemes within an information system.
- The structural design of an information space to facilitate task completion and intuitive access to content.
- The art and science of structuring and classifying web sites and intranets to help people find and manage information.
- An emerging discipline and community of practice focused on bringing principles of design and architecture to the digital landscape.
Before embarking on any major project, you need a strong grounding in exactly how all information will be stored and how it will interact and evolve. You also need to understand which constituents need access to differing levels of data. This is part of determining the information architecture of your software, system or web site. The information architecture is the blueprint that determines how
the various users of your project interact with it, as well as how the system stores the data relation to those interactions.
The team at i2Eye will make sure that your project is a success by taking the time to develop an information architecture for you.
It simply isn't good enough for organisations to build functionality or write content, put it on their computer systems and expect people to be able to find it.
Developing an effective information architecture is an essential step in the development of all computer systems.
Effective information architectures enable people to quickly, easily and intuitively find content. This avoids frustration and increases the chance that the user will return to the system the next time they require similar information.
Remember: people can only appreciate what they can actually find.
Contact i2Eye to find out how our structured approach to IA (Information Architecture) will result in the long-term success of your project.
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