One of the main goals of interaction design is helping users get somewhere to achieve their goals easily and efficiently. As interaction designers, we aim to create a user-friendly experience. For the information architecture (IA), it focuses on structuring and organizing the information. A good interaction design always based on a direct and structured information architecture. Since information architecture helps users find targets and complete tasks. The difference between IA and interaction design is the purpose behind them. For example, IA shows users clear labels which helps users better navigate on a website or an app, the purpose is organizing all information structurally. However, interaction design needs designers to consider the problem of how users take actions and interact with interfaces. The purpose is improving and easing user experience.
I have learned IA in System class. As the photo shown above, we were trying to organize an IA for Ikea’s website. First, I need to think about all the information that should be included in Ikea’s website. Second, sorting and categorizing them structurally. During the process of sorting, I organized it through a visual hierarchy of all different rooms. For instance, I put the main categories on the top of the IA diagram and highlighted those terms in rectangles. After finishing the diagram, I had a clear structure of Ikea’s website that helps me consider user experiences.
Information architecture can be seen widely on both social platforms and websites. When we shop on a website, we will see the layout of the main interface. All products and information are divided into different sections according to sorts and categories. It is not enough. Interaction designers add more elements such as call to action buttons or highlighting fonts to make users better navigate through all information. Once I was shopping on Adidas website, I wanted to buy running shoes. The organized layout helps me find what I was looking for.
