Articles tagged: information architecture

MAY 2008

Intranet (re)design wrap-up

Over the years, we have published a vast amount of information on intranets. In this article, we attempt to wrap up all the activities that form part of an intranet design (or redesign) into one concise checklist.

DECEMBER 2007

The many faces of information architecture

A lot of confusion surrounds the term ‘information architecture’ (IA). This article explores the various labels that might be used to describe IA work.

CMb 2007-13

Apply IA techniques when creating taxonomies

The field of information architecture (IA) has much to offer those creating taxonomies, including a range of structured techniques for testing their effectiveness.

CMb 2007-09

Start user research by talking with staff

We all know we should involve users when redesigning a website, but where do you start? Talking with staff in your own organisation allows you to leverage their vast body of knowledge on your website audience.

CMb 2006-21

Usability and IA are core skills for intranet teams

Usability and information architecture (IA) are core areas of expertise for intranet teams, and all organisations should take steps to build this expertise internally.

CMb 2006-14

Design intranets all the way to the bottom

It is not enough to focus an intranet redesign on just the home page, global navigation and page layout.

CMb 2006-09

Quantitatively test the effectiveness of your home page

This article explains a quick and effective technique for assessing whether your home page is an effective gateway to site content.

CMb 2006-07

Full site redesign? Start by addressing the home page

Rather than embarking on a major project at the first sign of problems, consider tactical solutions such as the redesign of the home page.

CMb 2005-16

Don’t finalise site structure until you’ve created page layouts

There is a worrying trend emerging in the field of information architecture: organisations are attempting to finalise site structures without evaluating their effectiveness in the context of a web page.

APRIL 2005

What is information architecture?

This article introduces information architecture and provides guidelines for how to create an effective information architecture.

CMb 2004-18

Using a “strawman” for page layout design

Using a ’strawman’ design in the early stages of a project can help to overcome many of the difficulties in the design process.

CASE STUDY (JUNE 2004)

User-centred redesign of the FaCS intranet

FaCS applied user-centred techniques in the redevelopment of their large Government intranet, and it serves as a useful model for other organisations looking to tackle the same issues.

APRIL 2004

Card sorting: a definitive guide

Card sorting is a simple user-centered technique for obtaining insight into the structure of a site.

OCTOBER 2003

Escaping the organisation chart on your intranet

Escaping an organisational structure for your intranet is not easy, but will deliver many business benefits.

APRIL 2003

Card-based classification evaluation

The technique of ‘card based classification evaluation’ provides a practical (and rapid) approach for testing a prototype site structure.

FEBRUARY 2001

Information design using card sorting

Card sorting is a very simple method of working with users to come up with a usable information design. A valuable tool for all information architects.