Phase 3: Structure
Overview
Content
Site View
Screen View
User View
Taking a look at the content and organization of a site is the first step to creating an effective user experience. Also referred to as information architecture or information design, structuring is about connecting the user to the content and organizing information in an intuitive manner. It is also about blueprinting the site from a functional and organizational perspective to communicate easily with the client and the team. Ultimately, understanding what the user is looking for and allowing easy access to content and information is our goal. It's all about ensuring that users can get what they came for. In this phase, we outline structuring content and information from three perspectives: site view, screen view, and user view.
"[Information architecture is]... creating consistent and functional systems for navigation, graphics, page layout and title languages, so that the user knows where to go, what to do,and encourages him or her to return."
Web Review, Peter Morville
Topics Covered:
Content
Outlining Content
Creating a Content Delivery Plan
Site View
Building a Site Map
Setting Naming Conventions
Addressing Functional Areas
Screen View
Creating Screen Schematics
Determining Navigation
Outlining Content and Functionality
User View
Creating User Scenarios
Determining User Paths
Testing with Users
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