The most important consideration when defining an information architecture is access to and exchange of information. Information architecture (IA) is the process of guiding users through the site by organising and arranging all the relevant content in a clear, intuitive way1. The main purpose of IA is to help users find information and complete tasks2. To do this, IA needs to consider how users access and exchange information within the digital product or service, and how to make it easy, fast, and satisfying for them. Access to and exchange of information involves aspects such as:
Navigation systems: How users browse or move through information2. Navigation systems should be consistent, predictable, and visible, and should provide feedback and orientation cues to the users3.
Search systems: How users look for information2. Search systems should be accurate, relevant, and comprehensive, and should support different types of queries and filters4.
Labelling systems: How information is represented and classified2. Labelling systems should use clear, concise, and meaningful words that match the users’ expectations and vocabulary.
Information structure: How information is organised into categories, hierarchies, and relationships2. Information structure should reflect the users’ mental models and tasks, and should avoid unnecessary complexity or ambiguity.
By considering access to and exchange of information when defining an IA, the organization can ensure that the information assets are usable, findable, and accessible to the users, and that they support the user experience and the business goals. References: Information Architecture Basics | Usability.gov1, What is information architecture? - UX Design Institute2, Navigation Design Basics: Tips & Best Practices - Adobe XD Ideas3, Search System Design: Best Practices & Tips- Adobe XD Ideas4, Labeling Systems: An Introduction to Information Architecture - Boxes …, Information Architecture 101: Techniques and Best Practices - Adobe …
