Information Architecture   «Prev  Next»
Lesson 1

Planning Information Architecture

This module discusses how to create successful navigational and other information architecture components for a Web site. The information architecture of a site supports the signs and metaphors by organizing and framing them in a way that is meaningful to the users.

Making sites useful

Information architecture is the important process of designing systems that support navigation throughout a site, including systems for organizing, indexing, labeling, and navigating. Information architecture concerns Web site design, rather than Web page design.
In the most basic sense, information architecture is about creating systems that are usable by, and that are meaningful to, the intended audience(s).
By the time you complete this module, you should be able to:

Solid Foundation for Information Architecture
Solid Foundation for Information Architecture


  1. Identify how team members contribute to information architecture
  2. Describe how user needs determine information architecture choices
  3. Describe how the site planner assists information architecture planning
  4. Identify common Web organization schemes and structures
  5. Identify types of navigation and labeling
  6. Explain different types of searching
  7. Identify strategies for improving information architecture
  8. Identify HCI guidelines for information architecture
  9. Identify risks that affect creation of information architecture
  10. Describe documents that define the navigational structure of site
  11. Describe a method for modeling information architecture

  12. In the next lesson, you will learn how various members of your team contribute to the design and implementation of information architecture.