The future of Information Architecture
A well-designed, user-friendly information architecture ensures that users spend less time and effort searching for information and are successful in finding what they need.
You might ask, what is information architecture and why is it relevant to me? Think about your experiences shopping online, you probably have that go-to website, and then there is that website that you have sworn to yourself and the whole world that you will never shop on again. Well, this is why information architecture is so important. The website that provided you with everything you were looking for and a positive experience has taken information architecture into consideration when they created it. Information architecture, otherwise known as IA, is the structural design of information or content including text, photos, and videos within a digital product. The better website made sure that its users would be able to easily find their content with less effort and time.
Here is a little better of a look at some behind-the-scenes of IA, all information is organized with deliverables that can properly display the content that is eventually being displayed in that digital product.
- Site mapping
Illustrating the high-level relationship between content within a product.
2. Content inventory and audit
A listing of content and its attributes, an audit adds assessment to what exists.
3. Taxonomy
A way to visually communicate the hierarchy and relationships between content.
It’s interesting to think about what the future of IA will consist of, considering it seems so advanced now. Like all technology, IA will also evolve and keep up with current trends and new innovations. Content is continuously consumed in many different channels and in new ways, IA must stay optimal for the sake of the user. There are lots of opportunities to implement new technology into this process, here are some of the directions that AI could be heading in.
- Machine Learning
Organizations are rapidly adopting machine learning to generate insights from data. This is a method of data analysis that automates analytical model building. It is a branch of artificial intelligence based on the idea that systems can learn from data, identify patterns and make decisions with minimal human intervention. Users like content that is easy to understand and somewhat predictable. Artificial intelligence will analyze user flows, content engagement, and data to generate IA. Machine learning will create a seamless navigation experience for all users, with the help of these actions.
- Optimizing autocomplete for better accuracy and predictive intent
- Removing clutter and using behavioral data to A/B test navigational and filtering options
- Providing more relevant options to choose from to narrow search especially when the user is in browsing mode vs looking for a singular thing.
2. Voice-Command Designs
The ability to speak to your digital devices. Voice User Interfaces for mobile apps or for smart home speakers, voice interactions are becoming more common in today’s technology, especially since screen fatigue is a concern. Navigating via voice command online is becoming reality. As these systems become more common, users will need ways to cut short any wrong paths, vocal mistakes, or misunderstandings.
3. Designs for an Augmented Reality
Information architects will need to focus on the ability to create sites that are suitable for both 2D and 3D environments. Both Android and iOS devices can drop virtual objects alongside real ones through the phone’s camera. This makes augmented reality a more feasible option for developers and marketers. Considering a private environment, product designers can count on long user sessions and complex interactions. The whole user body can be involved in the interaction. In public environments, it’s essential to focus on short user sessions. Because regardless of how much people might enjoy the AR experience, they won’t want to walk around with their hands up, holding a device for an extended period of time.
4. Increased User Entrapping
Techniques designed at keeping visitors on the site longer. While the practice may not positively impact user experience, these longer visits generate more advertising impressions and may help sites rank higher on Google.
- Making the location of the desired content less than obvious
- Extending or using nonlinear paths toward intended content
- Showing content piece by piece using next buttons (not new but still a popular method)
After taking a look at where information architecture stands currently and where it looks like it’s going, there is one thing that remains the same, the user. No matter how much the IA evolves, it evolves with the user in mind and continues to base its techniques and progressions on solely that alone.
Sources:
https://xd.adobe.com/ideas/process/information-architecture/information-architecture-examples/
https://xd.adobe.com/ideas/process/
https://slickplan.com/blog/information-architecture-trends-2020
