information-architecture

Information Architecture

Table of Contents

• Overview
• When to Use
• Quick Start
• Reference Guides
• Best Practices

Overview

Information Architecture creates logical structures that help users find and understand information easily.

When to Use

• Website or app redesign
• Large information spaces (documentation, e-commerce)
• Navigation structure planning
• Taxonomy and categorization
• Search functionality design
• User journey mapping

Quick Start

Minimal working example:

IA Process:
 
1. Research & Discovery
  - Interview users about mental models
  - Card sorting sessions (open and closed)
  - Analyze current usage patterns

Reference Guides

Detailed implementations in the references/ directory:

Best Practices

✅ DO

• Start with user research
• Conduct card sorting studies
• Use user mental models
• Keep hierarchy 3 levels deep max
• Use clear, simple labels
• Enable multiple ways to find content
• Test navigation with users
• Update based on usage data
• Document taxonomy
• Provide search functionality

❌ DON'T

• Impose organizational structure without research
• Use jargon or technical terms
• Make hierarchy too deep
• Bury important content
• Rely only on navigation (provide search)
• Change navigation frequently
• Create ambiguous labels
• Forget about edge cases
• Ignore accessibility
• Assume desktop-only navigation