Rapid information architecture prototyping

Abstract

To create user-centered information architectures (IA), designers need a structured methodology that allows them to move rapidly from initial exploration of domain, to designing and testing information architecture. Additionally, in rapidly changing domains, design needs to flexibly incorporate future additions and evolutions. Finally, IA design should also take into account business concerns and goals. This paper describes Rapid Information Architecture Prototyping, a three-stage methodology for creating and testing IA based on user and business requirements. First, stakeholder analysis is used to understand business and organizational context, while free-listing exercises are used to explore the domain. Next, results of free-listing are used in an open card-sorting to understand user mental models and generate prototype IAs. Finally, closed card-sorting is used to evaluate and choose between candidate structures. The last two stages can be used in an iterative manner to design and test prototype IAs. The results yield a future-oriented IA that can flexibly incorporate future changes to site content and functionality, and provide design direction for years to come.