Introduction to Information Architecture 1

How spaces and structures are designed in the information level.

Purpose

To empower designers in working in the Interaction Design stage.

Outline

• Intro
  • Information Architecture
    • Information, Data, Content
    • Definition
• Main
  • Ontology
    • Definition
    • Framework
      • Nouns and Verbs
      • Controlled Vocabulary
  • Taxonomy
    • Definition
    • Facets
    • Types of Relationships
    • Diagrams
  • Choreography
    • Definition
    • Placemaking

Content

• Things that are present

Data

• Facts, Observations, Questions

Information

• Interpretations
• Information is not Content

Information Architecture

The arrangement of the parts to make sense of the whole.

Ontology

The language that we use and the meaning that we intend.

Nouns and Verbs

Where to look for Nouns?

• People – who are involved?
• Features – what are the distinguishing aspects of the thing?
• Paths – what do people look to accomplish?

Controlled Vocabulary

Parts of a Controlled Vocabulary

• Approved Terms
• Definition
• Approved Synonyms
• History of Term
• Words We Don’t Say
• Relationship Between Terms

Exercise: Ontology Framework

Taxonomy

Definition

• Classification, organization of things
• Structure is a rhetorical tool
• Taxonomy should depend on intentions (e.g., we want people to call us, we want people to refer other people)

Facets

In order to begin organizing, use facets:

• Personality – what is it about?
• Matter – what is it made or or not made of?
• Energy – what are the related activities?
• Space – where does it exist?
• Time – when does it exist?

Types of Relationships

These are the common taxonomic patterns:

• Equivalence – is the same as
• Hierarchy – is a part of; is a type of
• Sequential – is a predecessor or; is a successor of
• Associative – is related to; is used with (not necessarily within the same family)

5 Ways to Organize things:

• Location
• Alphabetical
• Time
• Category
• Hierarchy

Diagrams

• Block Diagram (wire framing)
• Association Diagram (mind mapping)
• Swim Lane (shows different responsibilities within the same process)

Choreography

Definition

• Steps user can or can not take across contexts and channels
• Setting the rules for realizing intentions
• Different UX in desktop and mobile
• User access based on role
• Different UX for novice user and expert user

How does the language (ontology) change based on the context and channel?

How does the structure (taxonomy) change based on the context and channel?

Placemaking

• Communicating intentions to users in a holistic manner
• Considering the ecosystem to objects

Deciding meaningful differences of taxonomy and ontology across contexts and channels

The ability to zoom in and out of an experience to ensure you are serving your users

IA is collaborative.

IA is not a process, it is a result.