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Information Architecture


Information Architecture is the foundation for great web design. It is the skeleton on which information and decisions are constructed upon. Although seemingly impractical and time consuming, good IA can save you time and money in the long run as well as costly site redesigns.

Information Architecture

The first step in the process of IA is to rally the company troops. It is important to get everyone in the company involved so you can come to an agreement on what you are going to build. It is good practice to have one person be the point or main contact for your project to avoid overlap and confusion.

After all the major players have come to a general consensus about the project, or at least the basic intent, there are some important questions that need to be answered.

1. What is the clients mission or purpose for their company?

This can be explored using existing information gathered from an existing business plan or company literature. Often times when we ask this question, many client are forced to rethink their business and often come to new found clarity. This is a good thing.

2. What is the goal of the website?

Once you determine the basic goals of the site, it is important to communicate those goals in a formal or informal outline. Many times an informal outline can be used as a basic blueprint for your project. This outline gives definition and structure that guides the reader and provides answers. Without this combination of disciplines the reader would be lost to a world of web site chaos.

3. Who is your intended audience?

What people will be seeking your products and or services. This is one of the most overlooked aspects of the process, and often make clients think in a whole new way about their business.

After careful questioning and feedback, careful notation will help you effectively capture the essence of the project at hand. This has been a simplified overview what we feel are the essentials of IA. There are many other things to consider, but making sure you have a solid foundation is your best way to ensure optimal results.

Brad Hartmaier
Alldigitalnet Web Publishing


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