Information architecture (IA) is the science of organizing and structuring content of websites, applications, etc. It is pretty much the practice of how the UX design is arranged for it to be understandable and easily navigable by users. Jared Spool, a well-known user interface engineer, said, “Good design, when it’s done well, becomes invisible. It’s only when it’s done poorly that we notice it.” IA is important simply because no matter how great your product/application is, people need to be able to know how to use it quickly, or else they’ll get too intimidated by it. IA is the blueprint of the structural design which is then generated into wireframes/sitemaps so that UX designers can use them to plan out the site/app navigation system. So, good IA is essential for the foundation of a well made user experience.
According to UX Planet, there are three information architecture organizational structures: Hierarchical, Sequential, and Matrix.
Hierarchical is based on the Gestalt psychological theory and is made to present content to the user so that said user will understand the level of importance for each element in the design. This is done by making parts of the design different sizes, colors, alignments on the page, etc. This is done naturally by the users brain, to be drawn to larger or more centralized texts/objects first.
Sequential creates a path for users to navigate. They go step-by-step through the site or application in order to complete an objective. This is often used on retail sites. A good example is ordering a pizza online. It starts with the base of the pizza and moves on to the toppings/sides, then it takes users to the purchase screen.
Matrix makes it so the user can choose their own path of navigation, whether it be alphabetical, chronological, by topic, or by the audience.
Information architecture usually involves splitting up information between separate pages on websites/applications so that users aren’t overwhelmed by the amount of data presented to them. That’s why most sites and apps have a homepage with a navigation bar with short phrases that quickly explain what can be seen on the pages they are linked to. For example, a contact page directs users to a page with the contact information of the business/etc. and an about page would show the mission statement or an “who we are” of that business or person.
So, IA makes for good UX design by structuring websites or applications so that they are easily navigable, readable, and usable. It is a core process in how UXers design their product for public use.
Taylor Ethridge 