Information Architecture

Websites

All our new website builds start with this phase, which removes the highly-subjective aesthetic element of the design process, and instead focuses on how the information and interactive elements on each page of the site will be arranged and work.

This process encompasses both the micro-detail of the hierarchy & relationship of the elements on each page, and the macro-detail of how the information flows and pages are structured to allow the users to journey through the site to easily achieve their desired goal.

Websites are rarely as simple as a single type of user with a single objective.  So our process considers a collection of user personas which are designed in consultation with the client and / or based on our research.

Engaging in this process as a first step enables us to ensure the ‘bones’ of the site are sound and provides the solid framework on which the design process can be based.  This resulting design process is then far more efficient and productive, because it’s then less about considering the practicalities of layout and more about a creative expression of the brand.  Indeed, it avoids a key danger of web design where key layout decisions are made arbitrarily based on aesthetics.

Systems

The same skills outlined above can also be used in the initial stages of system design.  By using IA, projects can be better defined and scoped, and it stops a lot of wastage as it's the clearest way of ensuring both client and supplier understands what it is that needs to be built.

Most importantly, by putting thought and effort into the interfaces and flow of systems, you end up with a quality, easy to use product - which then has knock on effects to job satisfaction and efficiency for your staff.