[4/14/2003 10:44:08 AM | Cristina Rodrigues]

What do we mean by "information architecture"?

When we say "information architecture," we mean a definition of the different items of information, how the items are connected to each other and where they are located (hierarchically and visually) relative to each other. A product's information architecture serves as the blueprint that directs the allocation of functions and data within the product. Like the floorplan for a house, the information architecture dictates which functions will be grouped together and how those functions will act on the elements of data used to construct the product.

It is very important to get the information architecture right at the beginning of the product development cycle. As when building a house, it is fairly easy to change the blueprint before construction begins; but it's often not economically or structurally feasible to make significant changes once the building is well underway. Making major corrections to the information architecture late in the development cycle is akin to deciding to move the kitchen to the opposite side after the framing has already been completed for the whole house.

Taxonomy Design
A presentation for the ASSIS&T IA SUMMIT 2002 (PPT)