Information architecture (IA) is the structural design of shared information environments. It’s the art and science of organising and labelling websites, intranets, online communities, and software to support usability and findability. In essence, IA helps users understand their surroundings and find what they’re looking for, both online and in real-world settings.
Good information architecture is crucial in SharePoint intranets and document management systems. It ensures that content is stored and organised logically, making it easy for employees to find what they need. This leads to higher adoption rates and increased employee engagement, as well as improved productivity and reduced IT costs.
Making UX activities part of your planning is a good way to make sure the IA of your SharePoint environment is user friendly. This involves understanding employees’ needs, behaviours, and contexts to create an interface that is intuitive and easy to navigate. Activities like tree testing and card sorting are a good starting point.
As well as UX, other best practices in information architecture include keeping things simple, using common design patterns, creating clear and consistent labelling, and continuously testing and improving the system. Sticking to these principles will help organisations to create efficient and effective information systems that enhance the employee experience.
