What is Information Architecture?

A presentation on the basics of Information Architecture including my IA Pyramid concept.

1. Information
Architecture

2. Information
The communication or reception of
knowledge or intelligence
Text
Images
Music
Video

3. Architecture
The art or science of building
Design
Structure
Space
Function

4. Bedroom
Sleeping
Building Blueprint
Living Room
Relaxing
Den
Books
Kitchen
Cooking
Dining
Eating
Garage
Storage

5. Website Blueprint
Services ContactProducts
Main
StaffAbout

6. Levels of Information Architecture
The Internet
Websites
Site sections
Section page groups
Pages
Page elements
Paragraphs

7. Page Level Information Architecture
HTML title and filename
Description (metadata)
Title on the page
Subsections
Paragraphs
Sentences
Words/Keywords
(metadata)

8. IA Deliverables
Page Flow Diagram
Interaction diagram
Flow chart
Wireframe
Mockup
Paper Prototype

9. Page Flow Diagram
Define navigation
Define structure
Visualize page relationships
Define site scope

10. Horizontal format
Used to describe interactive sites
Services ContactProducts
Main
StaffAbout

11. Horizontal format
Used to describe interactive sites
Services ContactProducts
Main
StaffAbout
History
Mission

12. Vertical format
Used to describe
step by step flows
Return
Date
Payment
Departure
Date
Choose
Flights
From/To
City
Airline
Reservation

13. Boxes (symbols)
Decision
External
Process
Output
(print)Database
Jump
Page
Page
Page
PagePage
Stack
Page Group
Page
Page
Page

14. Double arrow points – two way link
Single arrow point – one way link
Dotted lines – anything different than a
standard link
Arrows (connectors)

15. Wire Frame Diagram
Paper prototype
Mockup
Page script

16. Tools
Visio
OmniGraffle
PowerPoint
Pencil and Paper

17. Questions?

18. Web Head Processes