UX Tree of Life
The Role of Information Architecture:
Logic meets beauty. Information Architecture (IA) is the structure of the tree of life for UX. It is a living, breathing process that grows with the user. All other work is cradled in the branches of this foundation. My role as an Information Architect is to understand what the user wants and how they want it. Data feeds the Architecture.
UX Tree of Life:
Hover over different areas of the information Graphic I created below.
In the clouds are giant, life-giving drops of rain. This is the chaotic data that floats aimlessly in the ether. All the desires users have, competition for their time, and myriad tools we use in UX. Hover on the Raindrops!
Information Architecture comes from these drops.
Hover on roots next!
Drops rain
down in a torrent of data ataxia.
Hover on the roots next!
Soak into
the roots.
Hover on roots
Data Drops.
Hover on roots
We love this chaotic deluge. We drink in data and use tools like Journey Maps, Affinity Maps, Competitive Analyses, Personas, and more. We make sense where there was once only chaos. All of this study becomes the plan that drives the entire process into action. We now know what the User wants and create the Architecture. Hover on User Wants
Study = Plan.
From this study, IA
takes shape, features are
defined, and Architecture
is formed. It is a living, breathing structure that grows with the user.
Branches next!
Who is the user? How do they use? What do they want? What else is out there? Who are we? What limitations do we face? We gather data, organize it with tools, and create a plan that answers these questions. Once we do, we can build sound, logical, user-first Architecture that will create brand loyalty and delight users for years to come. The End