Information Architecture (IA) is the foundation for successful Web design. It is the blueprint of the site upon which all other aspects are built - form, function, navigation and interface, interaction, and visual design. Initiating the IA process is the first thing that should be done when designing a site.

A solid IA is incredibly effective, and knowing the basics of the IA process will save both time and money for the duration of the project. The more time spent creating a solid IA, the easier the transition to development will be.

Concentrating on a solid IA will give you the opportunity to iron out any possible user complications and will ensure that your message is displayed in a user-friendly manor.

What does IA consist of?

the very brief version... Whilst the deliverables of an Information Architect may vary between projects, the ideal goal is to create a concrete sitemap along with key content wireframes. Upon completion of these two documents alone Clients and Project Stakeholders will start to see how the finished site will act and grow.

A sitemap is a graphical representation of where information is stored within the confines of a website, it can be used to demonstrate how end users will move through the site to acquire the information they are looking for. A sitemap will also define how to "push" key messages to your users by recommending content during their sessions. As a website continues to grow, content publishers are able to refer to a sitemap and follow "content rules" in order to consistently maintain information. As Information Architecture is considered a Creative role there is no true industry standard on how sitemaps are to be presented, creative licence is assumed and these blueprints will vary in shape / size / detail - however all should be self explanatory on delivery.

Once the sitemap is completed it is then the job of the IA to break down the information into functional categories, these categories will then be looked at individually to determine the most "friendly" way of displaying and navigating the content. Through this process a document will evolve and the Interface Outline will appear allowing Wireframes to be designed. These wireframes are the key tool that will allow the creative design (front end) to begin.