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Information 

architecture

The combination of 

organisation, labelling 

and navigation schemes 

composing an information 

system.

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Chapter 11  Analysis and design

Essentially, in practice, creation of an information architecture involves creating a plan to 

group information logically – it involves creating a site structure which is often represented 

as a 

site map

. Note, though, that whole books have been written on information architec-

ture, so this is necessarily a simplification! A  well-  developed information architecture is very 

important to usability since it determines navigation options. It is also important to search 

engine optimisation (Chapter 9), since it determines how different types of content that users 

may search for are labelled and grouped.

A planned information architecture is essential to  large-  scale websites that include a large 

volume of product or support documentation. Information architectures are less important 

to  small-  scale websites and brand sites, but even here, the principles can be readily applied 

and can help make the site more visible to search engines and usable. The benefits of creating 

an information architecture include:

● 

A defined structure and categorisation of information will support user and organisation 

goals, i.e. it is a vital aspect of usability.

● 

It helps increase ‘flow’ on the site – a user’s mental model of where to find content should 

mirror that of the content on the website.

● 

Search engine optimisation – a higher listing in the search rankings can often be used 

through structuring and labelling information in a structured way.

● 

Applicable for integrating offline communications – ads or direct mail can link to a prod-

uct or campaign landing page to help achieve direct response. A sound URL strategy as 

explained in Chapter 8 can help this.

Site map

A graphical or text 

depiction of the 

relationship between 

different groups of 

content on a website.

Figure 11.15

Clear user scenario options at the RS Components site

Source: www.rswww.com.

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Part 3  Implementation

● 

Related content can be grouped to measure the effectiveness of a website as part of design 

for analysis which is also explained below.

Card sorting

Websites are frequently designed from the perspective of the designer rather than the infor-

mation user, leading to labels, subject grouping and categories that are not intuitive to the 

user.