Information Architecture

Question 1

Give a definition of “Information Architecture”

Answer 1

1. The structural design of shared information
   environments.
2. The combination of organization, labeling, search and
   navigation systems within web sites and intranets
3. The art and science of shaping information products and
   experiences to support usability and findability.
4. An emerging discipline and community of practice
   focused on bringing principles of design and architecture
   to the digital landscape

Question 2

Give a definition of Top Down Design

Answer 2

Top Down Design (from an Information
Architect’s Perspective) is designing for when a
user arrives at the main page of the site.

Question 3

Give a definition of Bottom-Up Design

Answer 3

• Bottom Up Design is catering for when the

user lands somewhere in your site – typically via a search engine

Question 4

An Information Architect…

Answer 4

Assists business analysts to identify user-based
requirements.

• Is responsible for how users interpret and interact with information. Investigate customers and their need, factor business
  strategy and technology resources into solutions.

Question 5

A System Architect…

Answer 5

Establishes the structure of the system

They strive to maintain the integrity of the
vision as it evolves during the detail design
and implementation

Question 6

User Driven Approach is…

Answer 6

The fundamental questions an IA seeks to
answer is:
– Who is the user?
– What do they need? 
– What will they see? 
– How will they interact with the system? 
– How will they get value from, accomplish their
goals/tasks, etc?

Question 7

IA have a number
of tools and techniques that they employ,
these include:

Answer 7

– Developing User Personas – Identifying and prioritizing their needs
– Mocking up Wireframes
– Showing the sequence of interaction through
walk-throughs

Question 8

URL Design Tips

Answer 8

• URLs should be obvious, and inferable

• URLs should use keywords, where possible
• Shorter URLs are Better • Try to avoid too many folders/depth
• Use lowercase characters and avoid special
characters in URLS

• Use static URLS when you can

Question 9

Why use static URLS when you can?

Answer 9

• This lets users revisit the information/page

* Means that crawlers can index the content

Question 10

What is the communication chasm problem?

Answer 10

• Key Problem: – Users have particular
needs, goals, aims and
objectives – The organization may/may
not provide answers,
suggestions, solutions,
options, etc
• How do we bridge the
gap between user and
organization?

Question 11

What are the IA Deliverables

Answer 11

– Developing User Personas
– Identifying and prioritizing their needs
– Mocking up Wireframes
– Showing the sequence of interaction through
walk-throughs