Information Architecture in a nutshell.

By Joe Schwab | March 23, 2011 | Comments Off on Information Architecture in a nutshell.

What is information architecture?

Before the look and feel of a website begins, the content of your website needs to be organized.  Information architecture is the process of organizing and mapping out the content of your website. This process is one of the most important steps in designing and building a website, Because this is how your users will find the information they are looking for.

The process of information design or information architecture includes the development of special documents to illustrate the content organization called Site maps and wireframes.

  • Site maps show the overall structure and hierarchy of a web site’s pages and content. They are typically the first step in laying out the information of a site, and will provide the framework upon which to base site navigation.The site map commonly resembles a flow chart or organizational chart.
  • Wireframes are useful for planning the general page structure and content requirements for individual pages. This is where the page specific content is organized. A website wireframe  should be specific and detailed about each page’s content, but avoid getting into design or “look and feel” details. This will allow for thorough planning and content development without getting hung up on subjective design related issues. Those can be hashed out later.

Why is it Information Architecture important?

The planning and organization of your site’s content and navigation will ultimately determine how easily visitors to your site will find the information they are looking for. This is your opportunity to convert your website visitor into a customer, whether you are selling products or your service. This is one of the most important, if not THE most important step of the website design process.

For help organizing your websites’s content contact us sooner, rather than later at  (949) 722-6119 or email us.

About Joe Schwab

Joe’s early passion for art and music led him to study fine art at the Laguna College of Art & Design. With this background in art and design, he pursued work as a graphic designer. While working with website hosting companies and marketing firms in southern california, he gained invaluable technical knowledge and experience that would shape his career. Working within the challenging limitations of the early days of the web, Joe leveraged his problem solving skills to become the rare web developer who could bridge the gap between the disciplines of design and programming.
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