Information architecture (IA) for Web sites

The goal of an information project is to create a user-friendly site architecture and intuitive navigational system to help users find what they are looking for on your Web site and convert them into customers. What makes our site information architecture services unique is that we understand how people locate and discover information - via navigation (browsing) and search (querying).

• Information architecture
• Wireframe and prototype development

Information architecture

A solid information architecture also helps maintain consistency and usability integrity of the site as it is expanded in the future. A search-engine friendly information architecture is crucial for a site's long-term success.

Our IA deliverables provide a clear taxonomy, navigation labeling, and other page interlinking structure for the entire site. The site map includes organization of all content on the site into intuitive categories and subcategories and naming of the groups based upon results of research and testing results.

Deliverables include:

• Discovery
• Content inventory
• Usability testing (formative and summative)
• Recommended site map (wayfinder)
• Follow-up consultations on wireframes and prototypes

Wireframe and prototype development

Wireframe are visual guides, like architectural blueprints, that communicate the organization of a Web site’s pages. Wireframes also help define the relationship between pages, which is a key element in search usability.

Types of pages that are typically included in wireframes are:

• Home page
• Site map
• Customer Service/Help/FAQs pages
• Category pages (multiple)
• Subcategory pages (multiple)
• Content pages
• News pages
• Forms (login, register, contact)
• Shopping cart pages

All of our wireframes have been usability tested and verified for search engine friendliness. Wireframes are used as a blueprint for programmers to create templates for content entry.

Prototypes are what many people consider to be the design of the Web site. Prototypes includes the graphics that make up the look and feel of the Web site. Collectively, wireframes and prototypes are the elements used to define what your Web site looks like and how it is organized at a per-page level.

If you have any questions about Omni Marketing Interactive's search engine optimization (SEO), Web site usability, information architecture (IA), or Web design services, please call us at 847-426-8978 or email us at info@search-usability.com.

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Omni Marketing Interactive
847 S. Randall Road #312 • Elgin, Illinois 60123
Phone: 847-426-8978 • Fax: 847-426-1507

Web Site Usability • Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Web Site Design • Information Architecture (IA)

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