![]() ![]() Having a single document that delivers a simple and understandable representation of how the application or website works is vital for developing new features, updating existing ones, and for seeing what is possible considering the existing product. Just like a blueprint, IA provides designers (as well as product development and engineering teams) a bird’s-eye view of the entire product. We’ll use the blueprint reference often because the purpose of both documents is nearly identical. There is no set limit to the size or shape of IA nevertheless, it should encompass the generalized structure of the product so anyone (theoretically) should be able to read it and understand how the product works. The level of detail is up to the designer, so IA may also include navigation, application functions and behaviors, content, and flows. ![]() Information architecture (IA) is, like a blueprint, a visual representation of the product’s infrastructure, features, and hierarchy. What Is Information Architecture, and Why Is It Important? However, developing one isn’t as simple as putting a list of features together and mapping out how they work-let’s investigate the process. And just as blueprints are the most valuable document for an architect to use in the construction of a building, information architecture can be the most powerful tool in a designer’s arsenal. Similar to building architects using a blueprint to construct every part of a house, from physical structures to more complex inner workings like electrical and plumbing, information architecture describes the hierarchy, navigation, features, and interactions of a website or application. Defining every avenue and path that users can take through an app or website, information architecture is much more than just a sitemap to show what page leads where. Listen to the audio version of this articleĪs a standard part of the UX process, designers create information architecture when building products.
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