Information architecture: Difference between revisions
m (-) |
m (more def, ref) |
||
| Line 2: | Line 2: | ||
==Definition== | ==Definition== | ||
Information architecture is the structuring of information for use in defined contexts. This may involve the classification and management of information as in library sciences or the structuring of a web or software architecture or the modeling of the relationships between data within a system. | Information architecture is the science of organizing and structuring of information for use in defined contexts. This may involve the classification and management of information as in library sciences or the structuring of a web or software architecture or the modeling of the relationships between data within a system. | ||
* also referred to as information design | * also referred to as information design | ||
| Line 8: | Line 8: | ||
A selection of definitions over at [http://www.eleganthack.com/blog/archives/00000069.html eleganthack.com]. | A selection of definitions over at [http://www.eleganthack.com/blog/archives/00000069.html eleganthack.com]. | ||
==Origins== | |||
Wyllys (2000) claims Information architecture has its origins in architecture. and was brought into wide use by Richard Saul Wurman, who used the term to refer to the process of bringing together the multifaceted information contained within urban environments and representing them to multiple target users (city planners, architects, engineers, dwellers). Wurman likened this task to function of an architect who must: | |||
{{quotation | | |||
* ascertain needs | |||
* organize the needs into a coherent pattern that clarifies their nature and interactions | |||
* design a building that will--by means of its rooms, fixtures, machines, and layout, i.e., flow of people and materials--meet the occupants' needs.}} | |||
In teams that can include visual designers, interface designers, navigation designers, information designers, and interaction designers, the information architect is free to focus on the structure and organization. | In teams that can include visual designers, interface designers, navigation designers, information designers, and interaction designers, the information architect is free to focus on the structure and organization. | ||
==Structures== | |||
* '''hierarchies:''' classification such as the Dewey Decimal Classification system whose goal is to classify knowledge into categories, sub-categories, sub-sub-categories, etc. | |||
* '''networks''' of nodes and links between nodes (non-hierarchical), such as the Web | |||
* '''database-oriented models:''' pieces of information stored in fields and grouped into records and files with metadata to relate the fields and records | |||
==Information architecture models== | ==Information architecture models== | ||
| Line 20: | Line 32: | ||
* Multi-dimensional hierarchy | * Multi-dimensional hierarchy | ||
* Search | * Search | ||
==References== | |||
Wyllys, R.E. (2000). Information Architecture. Notes from LIS 386.13 class team at the Graduate School of Library and Information Science at UT-Austin. [http://www.gslis.utexas.edu/~l38613dw/readings/InfoArchitecture.html] | |||
Revision as of 18:32, 12 January 2007
This article or section is currently under construction
In principle, someone is working on it and there should be a better version in a not so distant future.
If you want to modify this page, please discuss it with the person working on it (see the "history")
Definition
Information architecture is the science of organizing and structuring of information for use in defined contexts. This may involve the classification and management of information as in library sciences or the structuring of a web or software architecture or the modeling of the relationships between data within a system.
- also referred to as information design
A selection of definitions over at eleganthack.com.
Origins
Wyllys (2000) claims Information architecture has its origins in architecture. and was brought into wide use by Richard Saul Wurman, who used the term to refer to the process of bringing together the multifaceted information contained within urban environments and representing them to multiple target users (city planners, architects, engineers, dwellers). Wurman likened this task to function of an architect who must:
“
- ascertain needs
* organize the needs into a coherent pattern that clarifies their nature and interactions * design a building that will--by means of its rooms, fixtures, machines, and layout, i.e., flow of people and materials--meet the occupants' needs.”
In teams that can include visual designers, interface designers, navigation designers, information designers, and interaction designers, the information architect is free to focus on the structure and organization.
Structures
- hierarchies: classification such as the Dewey Decimal Classification system whose goal is to classify knowledge into categories, sub-categories, sub-sub-categories, etc.
- networks of nodes and links between nodes (non-hierarchical), such as the Web
- database-oriented models: pieces of information stored in fields and grouped into records and files with metadata to relate the fields and records
Information architecture models
- All-in-one
- Flat
- Index
- Hub-and-spoke / Daisy
- Strict hierarchy
- Multi-dimensional hierarchy
- Search
References
Wyllys, R.E. (2000). Information Architecture. Notes from LIS 386.13 class team at the Graduate School of Library and Information Science at UT-Austin. [1]