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Patterns are repeatable solutions to common problems. IA patterns are structures for different kinds of sites. A work in progress, presented at the IA Summit 2010
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Information architecture patternsInformation architecture patterns
About me
• User experience (IA, IXD, user research, content etc etc) for 10+ years
• Freelance in Canberra, Australia
• UX Australia (late August, in Melbourne)
• 3 books
Card sorting How to write great copy for the web
A practical guide to information architecture
IA patterns
A pattern is an emergentA pattern is an emergent answer to a common problemp
Hierarchy
Hierarchy
• Good for: Small sites – little need for anything else
When you are guiding, allowing people learn more and more detail
• The relationship between content chunks is naturally hierarchical
b d d broader and narrower
Database
Database
• Content chunks are independent There are relationships, but not dependent on each other
• Good for: Single ‘product’ with consistent structure
Storing content once, display it in many ways
Hypertext
Hypertext
• No planned structure
• Content is linked together in context
• Good for: Content not known in advance
Developing content domains
Collaborative work
• Main challenge ‐ knowing what is available to link to
Linear
Simple hierarchy & database
Simple hierarchy & database
• Very common pattern
• Good for a wide range of medium sites that have a need for some database‐style content
Catalog
Sub-sites
Subsites
• Good for big organisations with lots of separate topics/responsibilities
• Subsites may have a consistent structure/pattern or vary
• Need to decide how often people need to cross between subsites
Focused entry points
Why do patterns matter
• Help you choose an appropriate way to structure your content
• Provide an overall concept
Questions & thanks
htt // d b /• http://maadmob.com.au/
• +61 409‐778‐693
• donna@maadmob net• [email protected]
• Twitter etc: maadonna