Information Architecture Explained: Organise Website Content Around Real Needs

The six points in the video

This is a silent video. The headings, explanations and labels below reproduce the information on screen.

1. 1

   Step 1: Identify the important tasks

   0:18

   Start with the information people need to complete their goals.

   On-screen labels: Visitor goals; Important questions; Required information.

2. 2

   Step 2: Group related information

   0:30

   Arrange content so the relationships make sense to visitors.

   On-screen labels: Related topics; Clear groups; Useful hierarchy.

3. 3

   Step 3: Use understandable labels

   0:42

   Choose names people recognise without knowing your internal departments.

   On-screen labels: Familiar words; Specific labels; Distinct categories.

4. 4

   Step 4: Map the content structure

   0:54

   A visual sitemap can help the team discuss pages and relationships.

   On-screen labels: Main sections; Page relationships; Content gaps.

5. 5

   Step 5: Design routes through it

   1:06

   Navigation presents ways to reach the organised information.

   On-screen labels: Menu routes; Useful links; Findable content.

6. 6

   Step 6: Check real finding tasks

   1:18

   Ask people to locate important information and note where they struggle.

   On-screen labels: Finding task; Observed route; Structure improvement.

Common questions

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