What is Information Architecture

Communication is a Problem
Have you ever tried to explain something to another person only to have your words returned with a blank expression? What did you do? Did you explain it over again in exactly the same way? Did you slow down and expand upon the explanation? Or did you change your approach entirely? In the end, were you able to get your message across?

Consider that you have information that needs to be shared with a large audience. How will you ensure that the message is clearly received? This can be hard to gauge, as unlike the example above, you can not tell if the message is being received by an expression on a face. You need to ensure that your message is clear and that the audience can use the information. This holds true regardless of the medium used to convey the message - television, radio, print or the web.

The first step of creating any form of message is to determine what is to be communicated and how to communicate it in a manner that will be understood by the audience the information is intended for. If you were to create an informational poster, would you not have to know what the information for the poster is before you can decide on the design? Does an author of a book choose the cover art prior to actually writing the story? The point is, you have to know what your communication goal is before doing any other work. When it comes to web development - it is absolutely critical.

An understanding of Information Architecture will help to ensure that you clearly communicate your message in a way that the audience can use it. Information Architecture relates to the organizational plan of the content for a communication piece. The plan has to take into account such factors as writing, graphic design, illustration and human usability.

Definitions of Information Design:

Information design is the art and science of preparing information so that it can be used by human beings with efficiency and effectiveness.

Information design is concerned with making information accessible and usable to people. (David Sless 1990)

Information design is the defining, planning and shaping of the contents of a message and the environments it is presented in with the intention of achieving particular objectives in relation to the needs of users. (ID news 1999)

As you can see, information design deals with the planning, organizing and presentation of information in such a way that the end user will be best able to utilize that information. Ultimately - what is the best way to present the information? There are certain processes we need to go through in order to determine this. These processes apply to any form of communication vehicle, not just the web.

Why is Information Architecture process important (IA)?
Information Architecture helps to ensure all elements that go into the creation of a communication piece are carefully considered, and considered at the right time. These elements include:

Form - what medium or combination of mediums will be used to communicate the information?
Function - will the information solve a business or user objective? Or both?
Metaphor - what easily understood clues will be used to help the user understand the information?
Navigation - what systems will be deployed to aid the user in locating and using the information?
User Interface - how will the user interact with the medium in order to access the information?
Visual Design - what design elements will be employed to help the user understand and locate the information?
Time and Money - what factors can constrain how the information is presented?
Record of Decisions - understanding of why the information took on the characteristics it has.
Ease of Use - can the audience get the information and can they use the information?