Information Architecture for better User Flows

IA is field of architecture in field of information space. They help in building the skeleton of an application , website or software. Organisation of information in a clear and logical way , which helps users to navigate complex sets of information.

IA Connects people to the content they are looking for

In other words, IA is a blue print of the design structure which can be generated into wireframes and sitemaps . UX designers uses them as the foundational material to plan the navigation system.

IA shown using Venn diagram

Users : Are the audience seeking information from your services.

Context : In what terms service is providing users the information.

Content : In reference to what your service is providing value user to read or access to use.

IA allows user to understand where they are and where the information they want is in relation to their current position.

COMMON METHODOLOGIES

Core of IA has two methodologies library science and cognitive psychology.

Library Science

It is the study to categorising and cataloging information resources. Art of categorising and cataloging are the extremely valuable for IA.

Cognitive Psychology

It’s the study of how mind works. Most of UI/UX design rules made today have roots in cognitive psychology. Information Architecture uses some elements of cognitive psychology to define the way information should be structured.

Key elements of cognitive psychology that are most valuable for IA:

1. Gestalt Principle : Gestalt principles explore users’ visual perception of elements in relation to each other. They show how people tend to unify visual elements into groups according to their similarity, continuity, or closure.
2. Mental Models : Mental models are assumptions people have in their minds before they interact with an app or website. Information is easier to discover when it’s in a place that matches the user’s expectations of where it should be.
3. Recognition patterns : People visiting a website or using a mobile app expect to see certain features associated with a definite kind of product. Designers apply various recognition patterns to make the interaction familiar.
4. Visual Hierarchy : Visual hierarchy is directly related to content readability. One of the essential points to consider for architects is scanning patterns — before reading a page, people scan it to get a sense of interest.
5. Cognitive load : Cognitive load is the amount of information that a person can process at any given moment. When architects consider a user’s cognitive load, it helps them prevent the user from being overloaded with too much information all at once.

Principles of Information Architecture

There are lots of things which should be taken into account when building the Information Architecture for a digital product. There are eight principles of AI

1. Principle of objects : Content should be treated as a living, breathing thing with a lifecycle, behaviours, and attributes. Different content has different attributes and behaviours.
2. Principle of choices : It’s important to create pages that offer meaningful choices to users. At the same time, the range of available choices available for the user should be focused on a particular task. More options mean more cognitive effort, and more effort can sometimes mean more anxiety.
3. Principle of disclosure : Show just enough information to help people understand what kinds of information they’ll find as they dig deeper. By limiting the information they see at any one time, you allow your user to better absorb what they’re seeing. If users are interested in the information, they can dive deep into it by moving from preview to detailed information.
4. Principle of exemplars : Show examples of content when describing the content of the categories. This makes it easy for users to identify the category.
5. Principle of front doors : Assume at least half of the website’s visitors will come through some page other than the homepage. That means that every page should include some basic information so they know where they are. It also means every page should include at least top-level navigation so users will know what they can do next.
6. Principle of multiple classification : Multiple classification means that there should be different ways for your users to browse the content on your site. Different people are likely to use different methods for finding the information on your site.
7. Principle of focused navigation : Focused navigation means that navigational menus should not be defined by where they appear, but rather by what they contain.
8. Principle of growth : Assume the content on the website will grow. The amount of content you have on a site today may be only a small fraction of what you’ll have tomorrow, next week, or next year. Make sure the website is scalable.

Assume the content on the website will grow. The amount of content you have on a site today may be only a small fraction of what you’ll have tomorrow, next week, or next year. Make sure the website is scalable.

Scope of IA and importance in UX

IA is a small part of User Experience Design . Still plays most foundational role in creating user flows. Image_credit : Scorch / scorchagency.com

Creating a well defined and navigated IA leads to smooth user flows and making the digital product less chance of getting flawed or user burdened with cognitive load.

Conclusion

Good IA results in enhancing the the experience of the user while using the product. Well structured and organised data is always appreciated by the user.