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
Content
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:
L ocationA lphabeticalT imeC ategoryH ierarchyDiagrams
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.
