Information Architecture

Why information architecture?: Information stored online provides fast access to answers and illuminates complex relationships, only if users can navigate it simply and effectively. Information architecture is the art and science of helping users navigate information spaces.
What is information architecture?: Information architecture (IA) combines the disciplines of library science and user interface design to structure information products such as websites and documentation sets for findability and usability. IA employs techniques such as content analysis and card sorting, while following the user-centered design process of user research, interaction design, and usability evaluation.; The products of IA include site indexes, thesauri, content inventories, and user task flows.
What does it take?: Information architecture experts—with formal training in the techniques and experience conducting numerous information architecture design and evaluation studies.; Time—An information architecture cycle can vary widely in time requirements, depending on the size of the information space. Many information architecture projects require at least four months.