Information Architecture

Information Architecture (IA) is the process of structuring information so that is findable and usable.

IA draws on design and architecture principles . It is often associated with websites but can apply to any system with a menu structure such as IPTV, mobile devices and phone IVRs. Printed artefacts like a magazine also have an IA - table of contents, index etc - but this IA is so engrained we often just assume it.

Symplicit's IA services define the structure of a system, the way information is grouped , the navigation methods and terminology such as labels used within it. Our expertise covers internet websites and applications, mobile phones and phone IVRs. We create IA which has a strong Scent of Information to enable your customers to step through a system confident that they are getting closer to the information they require.

The IA is usually created following customer research so that it reflects customer understandings and language preferences. Specific techniques such as card sorting may be used to identify how customers perceive information groups and labels. The proposed IA is validated together with the interaction design during usability testing. The IA and interaction design must be well integrated for a system to make sense to users.

By making it easy to find and use information your customers will select what interests them, fully aware of the available choices , rather than haphazardly through trial-and-error and will complete their tasks effectively and efficiently. Together with Interaction Design an IA improves customers' experience by optimising usability and reduces your costs for development and rework.