Information Architectures - What are they?

Abstract

Defines the meaning of the term “information architecture” in terms of their functional components and argues their importance within the modern business environment in light of two research projects and multiple consultancy engagements undertaken by TFPL. Defines the scope of an information architecture within an organization in terms of: structure; people; process; and tools. Within any organization there are three areas information architecture issues which must be considered: the classification of the organization by focusing the information an organization produces (apart from information relating to goods and services); the information within the organization that primarily relates to products and services produced; and the people in the organization encompassing both the information architecture team and end users and the content they need and use. The methods used to implement information architectures are discussed in terms of: the information audit processes; the tools for information architecture; and post-implementation tasks. The research undertaken by TFPL into the nature of information architecture has led to a number of conclusions: that the development of an information architecture demands significant planning and effort in developing objectives and specifications; that a degree of cynicism has developed as organizations have discovered that there is a significant gap between user requirements and vendor offerings; that most organizations are multifaceted entities with complex problems; and that organizations need cross-disciplinary teams to develop information architecture approaches.