Information Architecture

Information Architecture (IA) is the process of analysing information, deciding how to structure it and defining how to link it together. It's an essential part of any interactive media project. Typically, the IA phase of a project may include drawing up a site plan, set of wireframes, matrix of audience/communication needs and a content specification.

Site plans form the blueprint for building a website or intranet. They show the basic structure, types of content and high level navigation principles. Here are a few examples.

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Wireframes are schematics showing what's on a page and how it works. They help to clarify content and functionality before page design is finalised or the application is built. Here are a couple of examples.

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