The Motive Web Design Glossary
information architecture (IA)
IA in the real world
Information architecture is not limited to websites, nor virtual information spaces. In the real world, the discipline is often referred to as ‘wayfinding’, and is concerned with the design of signage systems, paths and information environments.
Information architecture describes the structure and methodology by which information (such as website content), is organised.
Information architecture is typically formulated through consideration of user intention (primary tasks), and managing the relationship between the user and content or services (how tasks can be completed). A humanist perspective would place emphasis on catering solely to the user’s needs however, for commercial organisations, business needs are an additional consideration. For example, a business may want to promote messages or products that would not be actively sought-out by the user.
information foraging, interface, mass practice, navigation, usability.
References and further reading
- 6 Ways to fix a confused information architecture (Jacob Neilsen, useit.com)
- Information architecture for the rest of us (John S Rhodes, WebWord.com)
‘Lost in the woods’ as a scenario for exploring information architecture concepts: orientation, navigation and route-finding [wayfinding]. - IA Wiki (Community)
Communal encyclopedia on information architecture.- Defining the damn thing
(To understand recursion you must first understand recursion.)
- Defining the damn thing
- Introduction to IA (The Information Architecture Institute)
Articles and papers on key information architecture concepts.
Glossary A-Z