Information Architecture
Organise and display your website content and information efficiently and effectively
What is Information Architecture (IA)?
Information architecture can be defined as organising and displaying information in a logical and useful way. It is part of the information sciences that deals with the collation, classification and arranging of information and data.
Information Architecture for Websites
In relation to website design, IA means arranging and labelling your information and utilising some sort of archiving system. This includes sorting all of your copy, digital assets and page-specific information. IA gives your website a stable foundation on which to build the structure and overall design and layout of the pages. How the pages are filed and stored on the server contributes to the development of the URL structure.
IA helps you focus on your target audience with the goal of providing the best possible user experience — ensuring your resources are searchable, findable and navigable. Information that is stored and displayed in a user-friendly way not only improves usability, it also helps enhance your website’s SEO.
IA Considerations
Before designing the layout and style of your pages, IA should be a prerequisite so that your content and data makes sense to visitors. IA also facilitates smooth website development. Some important considerations include:
- Producing content that is reliable and useful to your audience.
- Presenting information that can be accessed quickly and easily.
- Promoting trust in the security and privacy of any information you collect from your users.
- Providing easy to use navigation and logical organisation of your information.
Information Design
IA leads on to information design, which focuses on how to present information. With websites, this is a page-level practice because it deals with how information is constructed and displayed on each page. Users should be able to understand the information in an easy and practical way.