Evaluating Information Architecture of a Website

The information architecture of a web site defines the general pattern of how information on the site should be organized. It sets forth a top-level conceptual map of the site. For example, a Web site about sports could have an information architecture that organizes the sports by category (water, land, snow, air) . Alternatively, the sports may be organized geographically, or following any other pattern that makes sense within the context.

• Evaluating Information Architecture
  To assess the effectiveness of the information architecture, you can analyze various server logs and other logs. For example, if an analysis of the search engine log reveals that users often receive error messages when searching the site, it may be that the search indices are inadequate. On the other hand, a server log that shows a high frequency of use of the search feature may indicate that information on the site is difficult to find using the site map or other navigational elements. Task analysis can help you determine whether the information architecture helps users accomplish the tasks associated with the site (e.g., registration, purchasing, making bids).

1. The structural design of shared information environments.
2. The combination of organization, labeling, search, and navigation systems within web sites and intranets.
3. The art and science of shaping information products and experiences to support usability and findability.
4. An emerging discipline and community of practice focused on bringing principles of design and architecture to the digital landscape.

The reason we cannot serve up a single, all-purpose definition is a clue to understanding why it is so hard to design good web sites. We are talking about the challenges inherent in language and representation. No document fully and accurately represents the intended meaning of its author. No label or definition totally captures the meaning of a document. And no two readers experience or understand a particular document or definition or label in quite the same way. The relationship between words and meaning is tricky at best.

• The Future of Information Architecture
  In the future, information architecture will involve users to a much greater extent than before. The increasing use of approaches such as permission marketing, in which visitors to a site are told about the marketing aspects of the site and asked whether they agree to participate in them, indicate that users expect to be treated respectfully and that they want to be involved actively in their interactions with a site. People's desire to be more involved suggests that the future of information architecture will require the development of customizable and personalized views of the Internet in ways that may drastically alter current business and social models.

To understand "information architecture" for website design, you need a mindset that combines analytical thinking, user-centric empathy, and a focus on clarity and organization. Here's a breakdown of the key aspects of this mindset:

1. Analytical and Logical Thinking:
   • Problem-solving: You need to be able to break down complex content and functionality into logical components.
   • Structure and hierarchy: You must think in terms of relationships between different pieces of information and how to organize them into a clear and effective hierarchy.
   • System thinking: Understanding how different parts of the website interact and contribute to the overall user experience is crucial.
   • Attention to detail: Even small inconsistencies in labeling or navigation can significantly impact usability.
2. User-Centric Empathy:
   • Understanding user needs: You must be able to put yourself in the shoes of your target audience and anticipate their questions, goals, and how they will navigate the site.
   • Considering user behavior: Understanding common user patterns and expectations for website navigation and information retrieval is essential.
   • Accessibility awareness: Thinking about users with different abilities and ensuring the information architecture supports their needs is paramount.
   • Focus on usability: The primary goal of information architecture is to make it easy for users to find what they need and accomplish their tasks.
3. Focus on Clarity and Organization:
   • Simplicity: Striving for clear and concise labeling, navigation, and overall structure is key. Avoid jargon or overly complex systems.
   • Consistency: Maintaining consistent terminology, navigation patterns, and visual cues throughout the website builds user confidence.
   • Scalability: Designing an information architecture that can adapt and grow as the website evolves is important for long-term maintainability.
   • Visual thinking (to some extent): While not strictly visual design, being able to visualize the structure and flow of information can be helpful.

In summary, the ideal mindset for understanding information architecture involves being a:

• Strategic thinker: Planning for the future and considering the overall goals of the website.
• Organized individual: Enjoying the process of structuring and categorizing information.
• Empathetic observer: Keenly aware of user needs and behaviors.
• Clear communicator: Able to translate complex structures into understandable labels and navigation.

By cultivating these aspects of your mindset, you'll be well-equipped to grasp the principles and practices of effective information architecture for website design

In the next lesson you will learn how to evaluate the signs and metaphors of a Web site..