Located: research topics > site planning

The role of information architecture in web site planning (section 2)

Authors: Moreville, P. & Rosenfeld, S. 1998

Abstract: This research is taken from the book Information Architecture for the World Wide Web. This section looks at some of the key components of information architecture and in particular principles of different types of organisational schemes.

Contents: Section 1 - Role of information architecture. Section 2 - Key issues in site planning. Section 3 - the site planning process.

Chapter 3 - organising information

Systems of classifications for the very foundation of our understanding (p22). Challenges inherent in organising info are not new - but are now forced on more people each day through the internet. Issues and difficulties include: ambiguity (classifications based on language), heterogeneity (collection of objects composed of unrelated or unlike parts), differences in perspective (personal systems or views), internal politics (managing their impact).

Organisation schemes - defines the shared characteristics of content items and influcences the logical grouping of those items (p26). There are different types:

Exact organisation schemes: (eg alphabetical phone book) Divide info into well defined and mutually exclusive sections. Pros: good for 'known-item' searching, where you know what you're looking for. Cons: bad if you don't know the specific name of the resource. Include alphabetical (book indexes, phone books, libraries), chronological (press releases, history books, diaries and television guides) and geographic (travel, news and weather, political, social and economic issues).

Ambiguous organisation schemes: (eg library 'subject' category, as opposed to 'title' or 'author' category ) Divide information into categories that defy exact definition. Pros: more useful and more commonly used (backed by extensive library research) - particularly when we don't know exactly what we're looking for. Supports a more associative learning process. Cons: Difficult to design and maintain, difficult to use. Include topical (yellow pages, newspapers, academic courses), task oriented (desktop software applications, directed web sites), audience specific (some education sites, intranets - can be open or closed), metaphor driven (desktop computer interface, virtual office/library/space), hybrid scheme (most web pages).

In designing a topical organistional scheme, remember that you are defining the universe of content (both present and future) that users will expect to find within that web site. Task oriented when its possible to anticipate a limited number of high-priority user tasks. Audience specific when a need to break sites into smaller subsets. Metaphor driven to help users understand new by relating it to the familiar - and helps with intuition.

Hybrids go against the power of a pure organisational scheme - to suggest a simple mental model for users to quick understanding. Where multiple schemes must be presented on one page, each should be presented separately to maintain its integrity. (p36) This suggests that one of the principle powers of an organisational scheme is in its ability to be recognised by a user, and that combining schemes dilutes their power as an information device. It could also be assumed that various schemes would be better presented in differing ways - an example may be an audience specific-scheme which may be verb-driven, as opposed to a topic scheme which may be more noun-driven.

Organisation structures: (eg ) Most organisation structure that apply to web sites and intranet architectures include hierarchy, database-oriented and hypertext. In many cases, it makes sense to use all three.

Hierarchy: a foundation - simple and familiar way to organise information. Categories should be mutually exclusive, and there should be balance between breadth and depth. Breadth - seven plus or minus two rule (more than 10 options can overwhelm users) and depth - more conservative (4 to 5 levels maximum). Finally, don't let hierarchy constrain development.

Hypertext: provides greater flexibility, but can created disorientation. Without context, users can become quickly frustrated and overwhelmed. Additionally, hypertext links are often personal in nature. It is often more sensible to design the information hierarchy first and then identify way in which hypertext can complement the hierarchy.

Relational database: Allow the use of searches, better content management and personalised content using records and fields. Often better to use databases as subsets of structured, homogeneous information within a broader website.

Chapter 4 - designing navigation systems

A complementary navigation system provides context and to allow for greater flexibility of movement within the hierarchy of a site. (p47)

The use of standards in navigation can greatly influence usability, and the success users have within a site. Many site designs sacrifice usability for aesthetics and belie a lack of consideration for the user and the environment. (p49) Web browsers are an integral part of browsing and their navigation systems are integral to the user's navigation experience. This view concurs with many of those voiced by Fleming, Nielsen and Tognazzini that navigation and site usability is enhanced measurably if popular conventions are used.

Typically, navigation should strike a balance between allowing lateral and vertical navigation of a site, and holding the integrity of a hierarchy. (p52) Different navigation systems include:

Hierarchical navigation: typically the primary navigation system of a site.

Global navigation: navigation that spans the site

Local navigation: typically used for subsites. Should complement, not replace, global navigation systems.

Ad Hoc navigation: more editorial than architectural. Generally placed throughout content.

Nielsen talks about different types of links (embedded, structural and associative. He suggests that of these, associative are the most effective in lifting site use - presumably because they offer the ability to view more content aligned to their current topic of interest. (more about this concept...)

This forms the basis of the link between defining user goals (Fleming), effective navigation (Nielsen) and the concept of structure planning highlighted here. It adds weight to the proposition that users will arrive at a site location seeking information, then may browse as their interest is piqued by like topics, then seek to return and resume their information search. This scenario relies heavily on a functional navigation system. (The concept is discussed further in the essay 'Satisfying site design'...)

Frames can cause problems by violating the page model of browsing - thereby disabling many browser functions such as bookmarking and using the back button. (p62) They will also slow display speeds and can create many design challenges.

Remote navigation systems can include tables of contents, index, site map, guided tour,

Chapter 5 - labeling systems

Labeling should make sense to the general public and be descriptive. (p74). Successful labeling mirrors the language and thinking of site users, not owners. Particularly iconic labeling, where there are only a handful of consistently agreed-upon symbols. Few sites use icons without accompanying text because of this issue. (p85).

Chapter 6 - searching

The different types of searching: (p102)

Known-item searching: clearly defined and a single correct answer

Existence searching: having an abstract idea or concept, and trying to find if the matching information exists.

Exploratory searching: knowing how to phrase the question, but not being exactly sure what you're hoping to find.

Comprehensive searching: attempting to locate everything available on a particular topic.

Searching and browsing are often interlinked. And both are by nature iterative - users will make a first attempt, learn something, refine and try again. (p104). This is typically called associative learning. The challenge is to design site architecture to support the most common searching and browsing approaches in a smooth and integrated way.