When developing a digital product, it's essential to organize content and features in a manner that users can comprehend. Users should easily and promptly locate the information they seek, and this organization of content is referred to as information architecture.
Ensuring that visitors can easily locate information goes beyond effective website navigation, although that is a crucial aspect. It involves the overall organization of your site, including what content appears on the homepage, the location of your product catalog, and the accessibility for users. According to research, the average user spends 50 milliseconds deciding whether to stay or leave a website.
So, it's important not to rely on guesswork when structuring your website's content. In this article, we will explore what information architecture is, discuss best practices, and introduce a ready-to-use template by Qatalyst that can assist in testing your architecture with real users.
What is Information Architecture?
Information Architecture (IA) is the systematic planning and arrangement of information within a system, such as a website, application, or digital product. This process entails organizing and categorizing information in a clear and rational manner to enhance users' ability to navigate, retrieve, and comprehend the content effectively.
Information Architecture can be tested using card sorting (open, closed & hybrid) and tree testing.
Why is Information Architecture Important in UX?
"73.1% of web designers believe that a non-responsive design is the top reason why visitors leave a website."
- Determine the appropriate locations for new pages on your website and evaluate whether the current placement of existing pages aligns with user expectations.
- Gain insights into how users locate information by conducting a card sorting and tree test, allowing you to assess concepts and ideas before and after the design phase.
- Combine the outcomes of your card sorting and tree test with open-ended follow-up questions to gather additional insights on adjusting your Information Architecture (IA).
- Contribute valuable insights to enhance your user experience by evaluating the basics and refining the ease of finding information.
How do I Test my Information Architecture?
Information Architecture Template
- Tree Testing Template
Step 1: Log in to your Qatalyst account, which will direct you to the dashboard. From the dashboard, click on the "Create New Study" button to initiate the process of creating a new study.
Step 2: Once you're in the study creation interface, locate the "+" button and click on it to add a new block. From the list of options that appear, select the "Tree Testing" option.
Step 3: Once you have added the block, design your question and information architecture by simply adding the labels and defining the parent-child relationship in a tree-like structure.
Step 4: To further enhance your study, add additional survey blocks. Utilize the same process described in Step 2, clicking on the "+" button and selecting different block types to ask various questions related to the test.
- Card Sorting Template
Step 2: Once you're logged in and in the study creation interface, locate the "+" button and click on it to add a new block. From the list of options that appear, select the "Card Sorting" option.
Step 3: Here, you can add the task and multiple cards and categories by clicking on the "+" button. There are multiple properties and options also available to enhance the experience.
Step 4: To further enhance your study, continue adding additional survey blocks. Utilize the same process described in Step 2, clicking on the "+" button and selecting different block types to ask a variety of questions related to the test.
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What are the Best Practices for Assessing my Information Architecture?
Take Note of Your Goals and Expectations
Similar to any task, your tests will be more effective if you are clear about the information you seek. Ensure you gather input from stakeholders and formulate a hypothesis outlining what you anticipate discovering from your test.
Specify Your Approach
Depending on whether you are introducing new information to existing systems, product redesign, or website (test it using the website architecture template), choose a research approach that best suits your needs. Card sorting and tree tests are the two most prevalent methods for testing information architecture, and this template addresses all the essential information you need from your users.
Examine the Results
Qatalyst provides automated visual reports to be shared across your organization to ensure consistent learning in every team. Take a holistic view of your Information Architecture (IA) feedback to identify any significant trends or indicators of user frustration.
Know the difference between close-ended and open-ended questions before testing - Close ended vs open-ended questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I test my information architecture?
Information architecture can be tested using card sorting and tree testing blocks on Qatalyst. There is a ready-to-use information architecture template to test information architecture.
How do you create an information architecture?
Creating an effective Information Architecture (IA) involves several key steps. Here's a general guide on how to create an information architecture:
- Define Goals and Objectives
- Understand User Needs
- Content Inventory
- Card Sorting
- Create User Personas
- Wireframing
- Navigation Design
- Tree Testing
- Accessibility and Inclusivity
- Iterative Testing and Refinement
- Collaboration with Stakeholders
- Documentation
What are the 5 steps of information architecture?
The process of creating an effective Information Architecture typically involves the following five key steps:
- Research and Discovery
- Content inventory and audit
- Information organization
- Wireframe and prototyping
- Testing and iteration
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