Websites : Information Architecture

First of all, let's be clear what we're talking about.

Information Architecture - or IA for short - is the organisation of the information, content, functionality and navigation of a web site so that its users can find what they want quickly and easily.

Building a web site without it would be like setting off up that famous creek without the canoe - let alone a paddle.

Although some once saw the development of an IA as impractical - both in terms of the time it takes and the skill needed to do it effectively - this mentality has changed with the certain knowledge that a good IA saves both time and money in the long run.

We have always believed that the IA marks the difference between a great web site and an outstanding one - and that without a solid bedrock, even the best web site design, cleanest code and most innovative online marketing, are all flawed.

That's why we start every project with a clear understanding of optimum page structure and a correlation of content and functionality with the site's overall strategic objectives.

Careful thought is given to key drivers such as the target audience groups and their different abilities. We also take into account information and navigation needs, the relationships between each area of the site and the optimum paths for moving into and out of each page. And finally, the IA considers content structure, density and location, imagery and supplementary functionality.

For large projects, the development of the IA involves a workshop session; during which we develop a draft structure for subsequent discussion and agreement by key stakeholders.

We have developed IAs for clients including:

• BankWest

• GESB

• Burswood