HTML & CSS Direct Study

Information Architecture

What selection method is used when organizing information? --- It is important to evaulate all of the content you want to put on a web page. When organizing the information in a way that will make sense to users think of the different factors such as what the user wants to get from the site, environment restrictions (such as browsers, speed, bandwidth, screen resolution, operating systems), how users will search for this information (through search engines or other sites), how much time and effort put into the design and organization, and most importantly use common sense. In the end as a designer we are also users so think about how we access sites, what our likes and dislikes are, and what sites we continually use.

Listed below are elements of small web sites that are useful for small companies/businesses or even personal sites. When creating these sites it is important to think about:

• Brochure-ware site: These are sites that can commonly be found. Most of the time information is static and not overwhelming in content. Navigation bars can be kept simple to include the home page, about us, services, and a contact page. This type of site usually classify as a flat site and is easy to organize and maintain. However, for larger amounts of information this organization scheme will become cluttered and unorganized for users.
  

• News Items: When posting news about the organization or oneself it is important that you are considerate of what news you post. Think first of the site's goals - is it important for everyone to see this new information. What about the user? -- Do they care to see this new information, is it important to them? How frequently will there be news? -- If you frequently update this page it may be better to create a separate news page.

When trying to organize larger volumes of information consider the methods below:

Architecture based on real systems: Arrange information based on regions (geographically -- countries --> states/regions --> further specific areas). Divide information based on the sectors within the business (i.g. Chemical Manufacturing Company would divide their products into categories -- Restroom Cleaner, Floor Care, Hand, Soaps, Aerosols, Insecticides)

Architecture bases on users' standards: When users visit your site they are there for a specific purpose. Functionality of the site is crucial for the user. Find out what users want out of your site. This design may not be the same as the organization's business structure, however the site is based around the users that will commonly visit the site. This can increase the amount of time they spend on your site and if they will return.

Multi-dimensional Architecture: For large volumes of information offer many different views of data. This will allow users to understand data and have a greater flexibility with your site. (i.g. Amazon offers users to find books through categories, searches, or direct links. Books are in many different categories so this gives the user the opportunity to find exactly what they are looking for).