Information architecture (IA) is **the practice of organizing information so that it’s easy to find, understand, and apply. It’s a critical thing to consider when building websites and apps, but it’s also important in meatspace (see below for examples).
Systems for IA
Organizational systems
Organization systems divide information into categories. These can be organized a few different ways:
- Hierarchical: A tree-like structure for navigation, e.g. website menus, folders on your computer, chapters in a book.
- Sequential: A step-by-step path, e.g. a recipe or tutorial.
- Matrix: A multi-dimensional path, e.g. a streaming site that let’s you browse content by genre, popularity, algorithmic suggestion, etc.
Navigation systems
Navigation systems help users move through a site, e.g. website menus, the index at the end of a book, etc.
Labeling systems
Labeling helps users understand what a piece of content is, e.g. the names of pages and folders throughout a site, the title of a book, etc.
Search systems
Search systems help users find information quickly, e.g. a search bar.
Metadata and tagging systems
Metadata and tagging help describe data for easier retrieval. Includes attributes like author, date, file type, description, keywords, etc.
Principles for IA
Flexibility and scalability: Design for future growth so that content can be added without making major changes.
Concision: Limit the number of options to avoid overwhelming users.
Consistency: Apply uniform design patterns, terminology, and layouts to reduce cognitive load and confusion.
Accessibility: Ensure that all users, including those with disabilities, can access and navigate information easily.
Hierarchy and structure: Present information in a clear order, using visual and textual cues to indicate importance and relationships.
Cross-linking: Establish meaningful connections between related pieces of content to enhance discovery and exploration.