Information Architecture
Screen Flow and Web Site Categories
The logical flow of the web pages is: how the sequence of pages is displayed -the screen flow- and under which button names the content is sorted -web site structure-. A well structured web site has its content sorted in categories or modules, in a way that is logical or expected by the internet user. Therefore knowledge of user behavior is necessary when (re)structuring a site.
Web site content is grouped in categories and more often than not, again split into sub categories. Sub categories can be several levels deep. Our advice is: keep it as simple as possible.
Large Web Sites
For extensive sites with a lot of content or many products there are other alternatives in helping users to find what they are looking for in an easy and quick manner. Implementing search and sort functions to a web site are for instance very good methods to help user easily find what they are looking for.
Interactivity with the Web Site User
The interactivity of the user with the web site interface is an element of the information architecture and can be -at times- confusing to the user. Navigating the site should be a straightforward process which shouldn't raise any questions and surprises in the form of unexpected events they should be avoided at all times. Navigating a site should be predictable for the user.
User friendly
A site's success is largely set out by how user friendly it is. When users cannot easily find what they are looking for or page load time is too long, people aren't going to have a pleasant experience when browsing your site.
The most important thing while developing a site is to remind yourself who you are developing this site for:
- For yourself or;
- For your visitors?
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Web Site Content
Interesting articles and content should be selected for your web site. Relevant information about your company and industry, news and up to date communication of events should be communicated.
A web site should at least cover the following areas:
- Who you are
- What you do
- How you do it
- And why.
In this your web site visitors have a clear understanding of what they can expect of your company.
What Do You Want
When you plan to have a web site developed it is important to have a clear understanding of what type of site you you would like to have. It can be compared to buying/building a house. There are many different types of houses, some have 3 floors, some have only 1 and there are many different materials which can be used to construct it. You can have luxurious fittings, or keep it simple to cut costs. This is all up to you and the budget you have reserved for this.
Most clients know exactly what they want, while others need a little bit of help to get them there. The most important thing to ask yourself when having a (new) site developed is: what is your objective?
When you have answered this question, you are able to set out a plan that will help you to obtain your goals.
Scenarios - if/when
We develop the information architecture based on scenarios.
These scenarios will answer questions like: "What happens when the user is experiencing an error or searching for specific information....". It is our job to come up with with these answers and find suitable solutions. Decisions have to be made on a level of usability and user friendliness of the system, without jeopardizing the business goals and purpose. |
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