Being the Architect of an IA

Anything that requires design must also include some sort of structure. This is why information architectures are vital in the UX design process. “Information architecture (IA) is a science of organizing and structuring content of the websites, web and mobile applications, and social media software” (tubik). There is a lot of information that must be included when designing UI/UX content, so sometimes one’s thoughts could become a little disorganized. This is when information architectures come in. “IA forms a skeleton of any design project. Visual elements, functionality, interaction, and navigation are built according to the information architecture principles” (tubik). They are basically a blueprint for the designer to properly implement every possible detail to ensure a quality product. It is definitely better to lay everything out so no detail ends up being forgotten. Although seemingly simple, information architectures must be precise in terms of their users. “The challenge when building IA is in understanding how your app or website actually works from the user’s perspective, and how to organize that information into a readable, legible format” (Pikover). There may not be a definitive solution, but there are still ways to properly cater to the user’s needs. Regardless, in order to properly execute a design, IA’s are a must!

Once the information architecture is all set, it’s time for these ideas to come into fruition through structured wireframes. “Wireframes serve as a middle ground between pen-and-paper sketches and your first prototype. They help you plan the layout and interaction patterns of your users without distracting details like colors or copy” (Fanguy). This is finally the time when the designer gets to begin visualizing the actual layout of the prototype. Even though wireframes are considered a middle ground, they must be refined and detailed. “Without the distractions of colors, typeface choices or text, wireframing lets you plan the layout and interaction of your interface” (Allabarton). Figuring out the color and typography when designing is always exciting, but the layout is first and foremost the priority before this. As Rosie Allabarton stated, designing the layout is easier without distractions. Designing isn’t always about the literal visuals and graphics; organization is also a key aspect. Users must be able to navigate the prototype without getting lost or quickly disinterested. This is why wireframing is an important step in the UX design process. Designers should be able to comprehend these factors and be able to execute an excellent product.

When redesigning Dare, an anxiety app, there are a few primary pages that aren’t really going to be changed too much for easier navigation. However, a few of the pages are repetitive or confusing, which means that they should definitely be simplified. Users should be able to access most of functionalities without having to do too much. Creating an information architecture is a helpful skill for organizing the designer’s ideas and figuring out how the navigation is going to work. After a consistent IA is completed, wireframes are able to carry these ideas and envision them as a layout.