Designing Information Architecture

A well-structured, easy-reference handbook on information architecture filled with essential knowledge, step-by-step instructions, and practical tips on IA methods.

Key Features
- Actionable best practices in information architecture from UX expert and founder of UXMatters, Pabini Gabriel-Petit
- Practical introduction to the broader context of UX research and design
- Filled with comparative examples from various business domains like web, mobile, and voice UI

Book Description
A well-designed information architecture (IA) that makes it easier for people to find the information they need is essential to the success of any web app, network, or application—especially for information-rich, digital environments. Practical Information Architecture provides a comprehensive introduction to IA methods for those who are new to information architecture and want to get up to speed quickly while on the job. The book presents illustrative examples and case studies separately from reference information and practical guidance.

You'll gain the foundational knowledge you need to design effective information architectures, labeling systems, navigation systems, and search systems that meet users’ information-seeking needs. The book concludes with design guidance and analyses of information architectures for various domains, including Web sites, mobile devices, and voice user interfaces; personalized information architectures, and complex enterprise information architectures. After reading this book, you will be able to successfully execute an IA design project.

What you will learn
- Learn the fundamentals of the discipline of information architecture
- Understand and implement the value of IA in a business context for digital products
- Get an overview of UX design principles, UX research and design process, and methods critical to IA
- Gain the foundational knowledge necessary to design effective labeling systems, navigation systems, and search systems for users
- Define and execute an information-architecture strategy
- Discover tips for personalizing information architectures for enterprises

Who this book is for
The book is aimed primarily at aspiring information architects and UX professionals who create information architectures.

The book also helps members of web development and product teams who need to understand what information architects do to work collaboratively with them. The book assumes beginner-level knowledge of the UX research, strategy, and design process.