Information architecture

Information architecture is the art and science of structuring knowledge (technically data), and defining user interactions (also see use case).

In the context of Web design, information architecture is the organization of information to aid in information retrieval. A common example of this is the categorization of similar information into sections of a website, with those sections displayed in pages. Information Architects create a variety of project deliverables including Site Architecture Maps and Wireframes (also known as Page Schematics).

An Information Architecture Design Document template might look something like this:

1. Goals
2. User Experience (with Appendix A: Competitive Site Analysis)
3. Site Content
   1. Content Groups by Labels
   2. Functional Requirements (with Appendix B: Content Inventory)
4. Site Structure
   1. Structure listing or summary
   2. Architectural graphical views (blueprints)
   3. Global and local navigation schemes (with and optional Appendix C: Site Structure Listing

Information Architecture may well be viewed as an umbrella phrase, given its close resemblance to Information Technology, and all the catch-phrases IT conjures up.