Steven Heitman > Information Architect

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Doing IA

Information Architect

Doing IA

Information Architecture, Usability, Web, Experience Design

Doing IA

What is an Information Architect (IA)?

The Information Architect is responsible for the research and design, organization of the Websites, structuring of information on Websites, usability testing, doing project management.

The user experience designer helps to integrate more functionality within and between the disciplines. That makes for a more holistic design approach, yielding better products.

Different components to an IA project include:

Research,

Design plans,

Card sorting,

Usability testing,

Needs assessments,

Mapping,

Diagramming,

User scenarios,

Use case scenarios,

Personas,

Wire frame mockups,

Rapid prototyping,

User experience design,

Navigational Systems design, and

Information Architecture design.

Effectively Working with Other Team Members

Information Architects work with other team members on projects, including:

Graphic designers,

Interface designers,

Computer programmers,

Content developers,

Technical writers,

User experience designers,

Subject matter experts, and

Stakeholders.

Team members work on projects to build Websites or other digital design products congruent with business requirements. That means incorporating user-centered design principles into design products prior to implementation.

Taking a Systematic IA Approach

It is a component to building Websites because using a good model (see Figure 1) gives one a solid framework in which to work, getting projects done on time, including: solid strategies for successful project management and team structures.

Nothing is left to guessing about user-centered design prior to implementation.

When user-centered design and principles are taken into consideration, end users can easily access information on Websites.

The IA Model is comprised of eight steps:

1. Design Research,
2. Concept Generation,
3. User Scenarios,
4. Wire Frame Mockups,
5. Prototyping,
6. Usability Testing,
7. Implementation, and
8. System Testing.

Research revealed that this method was more effective.

Figure 1

Designing Excellent User Experiences

Designing user experiences that work well (universal accessibility) for end users is definitely a component to Information Architecture.

Designers define experiences from research about end users. This helps to create meaningful online experiences that work effectively from a business perspective and for end users.

Questions

Let me know, if you have any questions about my professional qualifications or credentials. I look forward to working with you and your company, providing high-quality Information Architecture, on projects. User-centered design increases productivity and profit margins.

IA Projects

IA Projects