Information Architecture

Abstract

Information architecture is a phrase that has been around for some time, but usually in the context of information technology. However, it has recently gained credibility in the softer area of information systems design, particularly with regard to the “findability” of unstructured, mainly textual, information, This paper reviews what is meant by the phrase, and emphasises the interdisciplinary nature of the approach which should address different layers of modelling and design, from the technology platform to the user interface, as well as cover the whole information life cycle from generation to delivery and use.

Keywords

• information architecture
• schools of information architecture
• operational principles
• information hierarchies