Information architecture is defined as the art and science of organizing and labeling web sites, intranets, online communities, and software to support usability. Information architecture is the term used to describe the structure of a system, i.e. the way information is put together, the navigation methods and terminology used within the system. Effective information architecture enables people get the information they require. Information architecture is most commonly associated with websites and intranets.
In the context of web site design, information architecture describes the general design used to plan, structure, and assemble a site. Every web site has information architecture, but information architecture techniques are particularly important to large, complex web sites.
The term “information architecture” was first coined by Richard Saul Wurman in 1975. Wurman was trained as an architect, but became interested in the way information is gathered, organized and presented. Information architecture includes the combination of organization, labeling, and navigation schemes within an information system, structural design of an information space to facilitate task completion and give access to content. The art and science of structuring and classifying web sites and intranets to help people find and manage information.
Information Architecture – Key to a successful business.
Information architecture is described as the blueprint developers and designers use to build the system. The most common problem with information architectures is that they simply mimic a company’s organizational structure. Effective information architecture comes from understanding business objectives and limitations, the content, and the requirements of the people who will use the site. Understanding an organization’ s business objectives, politics, culture, technology, resources and limitations is essential before considering development of the information architecture. The most effective method for understanding the quantity and quality of content proposed for a system is to conduct a content inventory.
Information Architecture involves the user also.
Effective information architecture must reflect the way people think about the subject matter. Techniques for getting users involved in the creation of information architecture include: Card sorting involves representative users sorting a series of cards, each labeled with a piece of content or functionality, into groups that make sense to them. Card sorting generates ideas for how information could be grouped and labeled.
