Information Architecture
Overview
Information architecture (IA) is the structural design of shared information environments. It involves the organization and labeling of websites, intranets, online communities, and software to support usability and findability. It's also an emerging community of practice focused on bringing principles of design, architecture, and information science to the digital landscape.
History
The term "information architecture" was first coined by Richard Saul Wurman in 1975. Wurman, a graphic designer and architect by training, saw a need for a new kind of architect who would organize information in a way that made it understandable and accessible. This idea was further developed in the 1990s by Louis Rosenfeld and Peter Morville, who applied principles of IA to the burgeoning field of web design and usability.
Principles
There are four fundamental principles of information architecture, as outlined by Rosenfeld and Morville in their book, "Information Architecture for the World Wide Web". These principles are:
1. The principle of choices: The IA should help users understand where they are, what they can find there, and what to expect. 2. The principle of disclosure: The IA should reveal information gradually, allowing users to explore the content at their own pace. 3. The principle of exemplars: The IA should use examples to illustrate categories and choices. 4. The principle of front doors: The IA should assume that at least 50% of a website's visitors will come through some page other than the home page.
Components
Information architecture encompasses three main components:
1. Ontology: This is the specification of a conceptualization, which provides a shared vocabulary that can be used to model a domain. 2. Taxonomy: This is the practice and science of classification. In IA, taxonomy refers to the hierarchical structure used to organize and label a website's content. 3. Choreography: This refers to the sequence in which a user interacts with a system, ensuring that the user can navigate through a system effectively and efficiently.
Practice
The practice of information architecture involves various tasks and techniques. These include:
1. Content inventory: This involves taking stock of all the information to be included on the site. 2. Card sorting: This is a technique used to help design or evaluate the IA of a site. In a card sorting session, participants organize topics into categories that make sense to them. 3. User testing: This involves testing the site's architecture with real users to ensure it meets their needs. 4. Wireframing: This is a way to design a website at the structural level.
Role in User Experience Design
Information architecture plays a crucial role in user experience design. It helps users understand where they are, what they can find, and what to expect. Without a clear and logical structure, users may become confused and frustrated, leading to a poor user experience.
