Introduction
In the era of constant technical development and innovation, websites and mobile applications are developing. Most of them contain gigantic layers of information that must be organized for quick retrieval and easy use. Applications are used by people all over the world, regardless of their user experience and technical equipment. In this aspect, one of the main tools is information architecture, which aims to establish a logical data design. Thus, information architecture is indispensable in the modern world and requires detailed consideration.
Discussion
Information architecture (IA) is an interaction between the systems of organizations aimed at simplifying and organizing information for quick and easy navigation. It operates at the level of the entire website or mobile application and forms a data connection on each page. Moreover, the information structure explains how these pages should be related to each other to provide users with the most efficient navigation (Goyal et al., 2021). For example, IA allows one to organize a sitemap and group data based on common characteristics. It follows that information architecture is of great importance for the formation and development of a site or application.
Overall, this is a plan for the entire area to attract customers to the existing content. The essence of IA is that thanks to it, the owner’s idea is transformed into a visual example for the user. In this way, the possibilities of visitors are enhanced, making it easier for them to learn or use information. In addition, the role of information architecture is not only about user convenience (Lacerda et al., 2019). For the owner and designer, this makes it easier to make decisions and add new features as needed. Moreover, expanding the site in a given direction after applying the information architecture is easier and faster, which helps designers pay attention to other essential things.
Many technologies have changed people’s access to information, but the Internet and VPN are some of the important ones. The Internet offers users the opportunity to find all the collected data. At the same time, the architecture is simple and convenient, as it includes a search bar that suggests results based on the selected words and the subject of the query (Goyal et al., 2021). In addition, users can sort the data by relevance and publication date through the settings. VPN is a secure connection where information is protected and inaccessible to third parties. Access to data may be restricted following the laws of some countries. This system helps to realize people’s right to information by offering to open prohibited data. Architecture is convenient for each user, as it assumes the presence of a search bar, where all the necessary information fits within one page.
Many applications use suitable information structures. Among them is the world-famous Spotify. The app has five good practices, including song genre suggestions based on previous searches, ordered playlists, a toolbar with a homepage, a search bar, and user data. Two other benefits are metadata in the form of a list of tracks and a choice of selections within the setting of favorite genres. However, the app could be improved by introducing a more extended search history, as the current version only saves a small number of tracks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, information architecture is vital for the user, owner, and designer. Modern people appreciate simplified navigation as it is clear and saves time. Thus, IA defines the usability of a site or application by allowing clusters of relevant information to be combined. As a result, users quickly find offers for their queries, and designers make it easier for themselves to develop the site further.
References
Goyal, R., Majji, M., & Skelton, R. E. (2021). Integrating structure, information architecture and control design: Application to tensegrity systems. Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing, 161, 1-21. Web.
Lacerda, F., Lima-Marques, M., & Resmini, A. (2019). An information architecture framework for the Internet of Things. Philosophy & Technology, 32(4), 727-744. Web.