As a UX designer, the data that your design presents should be obviously coordinated and arranged, so users can effectively experience and connect with the application or website. This process of getting sorted out data is called information architecture, IA for short. Consider information architecture as a skeleton for your product.

Overall, information architecture is comprised of three pieces:

1. Organization refers to how various snippets of information are connected to a product.
2. Hierarchy is also called the “tree structure” and is where a larger category is placed at the top and specific categories connected with the overall category are put under. Peer information is placed right next to each other.
3. Sequence: The sequence empowers users to navigate through an app application by means of specific orders or steps.

Understanding these three subjects of information architecture simplifies the process of creating a great sitemap.

Brown’s 8 principles

With a focus on information architecture, there are a total of eight basic principles you should be familiar with as a UX designer. Dan Brown, the founder of EightShapes, created these principles which are listed below:

1. Object principle: You ought to see your content as “living” and as something that changes and develops after some time.
2. Choice principle: People think they need to have numerous options, yet they really need fewer decisions that are efficient.
3. Disclosure principle: Only expected or necessary information should be visible.
4. Exemplar principle: Humans put things into categories and assemble various ideas together.
5. Front door principle: People will for the most part show up on a landing page from another site.
6. Multiple classification principle: People have various approaches to looking for data.
7. Focused navigation principle: A proper strategy and logic for how navigation menus are set up should be in place.
8. Growth principle: Over time the amount of content in a design will grow.

Let’s build a great sitemap

The concluding step in the information architecture process is site mapping. By now, you’ve grasped the concept that organizing a website or application entails a hierarchical structure. Within the realm of user experience, this hierarchical linkage between content is commonly known as a “parent/child” relationship.

Web Application Sitemaps

A web app’s sitemap is meticulously organized, starting with the initial access point — the homepage. In the context of an app, this could manifest as the welcome page, serving as the primary entry point. Designating this as the “parent” page, subsequent “child” connections might include options like new user log-in, returning user log-in, or social media log-ins, each existing at the same level.

Expanding beyond the homepage, other relevant screens present various parent/child relationships within the app. For example, navigating to the Settings parent screen could reveal child connections such as Profile, Security, Help, and Policies. Similarly, selecting Help could lead to child connections like Search for a help topic, Browse topics, and Contact us, all situated under the parent screen.

Mobile Application Sitemaps

The structure of a mobile app sitemap mirrors that of its web counterpart, necessitating the inclusion of high-level entry points for users. Notably, mobile app sitemaps typically feature fewer categories compared to web app sitemaps. Common high-level categories include Homepage, Product Features, User Settings, Pricing, Contact Us, and Help. Within these high-level categories lie child connections, offering a deeper level of navigation. For instance, under User Profile, subcategories might include Name, Email Address, and Payment Details.

Given the constraints of mobile screens, crafting effective information architecture for mobile apps presents unique challenges. Prioritize essential content, considering the repositioning or elimination of less critical elements. Pay attention to touchscreen target size and spacing, ensuring optimal usability. Additionally, maintain readability by employing appropriately sized text.

A well-considered information architecture forms the bedrock of a design layout that facilitates seamless user navigation. As you embark on mobile app development, remain mindful of these considerations to elevate the user experience.

Keep expanding your knowledge

Now equipped with a deeper comprehension of how information is structured within apps, it’s time to leverage these insights as you embark on your own product designs. Delve into the intricacies of mobile app information architecture by exploring the six key patterns outlined in this insightful article: “Designing the Information Architecture (IA) of Mobile Apps”.

Moreover, understanding accessibility is paramount in information architecture. Familiarize yourself with Accessibility guidelines by perusing these valuable resources: “Accessibility: Guidelines for Information Architecture, UX Design, and Visual Design” and “World IA Day 2019 — Accessibility Tips for Information Architects”.

Further enrich your understanding by exploring key psychological principles that inform information organization. Dive into this comprehensive guide: “Information Architecture UX Guide”.

For a broader exploration of information architecture within UX, browse through the following articles, to uncover a wealth of insights and perspectives.

• Information architecture: Basics for designers by UX Planet
• 5 examples of effective information architecture by Adobe
• An excellent beginner’s guide to information architecture by Career Foundry
• The beginners guide to information architecture in UX by Adobe
• Information architecture for UX designers by Justinmind.com

Remember, continuous learning and exploration are essential in refining your skills and crafting user-centric designs. As we wrap up, I want to thank you for your support and engagement. I hope you found this article useful. Stay tuned for more exciting content in the future. Until next time! 👋🏻

— Carina