Website Information Architecture

Website Information Architecture refers to the structuring and organization of content both for presentation and storage. It is important to base a web site on a directory structure that is logical, easy to organize, and easy to expand. As the site grows in the future the information architecture will need to be flexible enough to grow with it.

Website Information Architecture also refers to the structuring of the elements of the web site navigation. It is important to organize the elements of the navigation structure in a way that makes sense to the user. The user should be able to anticipate the things they will find under each menu or branch of the navigation. It is also important to keep in mind the actual labels applied to the menus. Keep them simple and straightforward. Refrain from using jargon or terms your audience may not be familiar with.

A solid information architecture will help in the future by:

• Preventing the introduction of redundant information across your web site
• Providing a "map" for proper placement of new content on the site in the future
• Provide an efficient means for a new team member quickly get up to speed on the layout of the site and location of specific items
• Aid in the analysis of web site usage statistics - knowing where information is located makes it is easier to track web site activity