This week I read the third and forth chapters of Information Architecture for the World Wide Web by authors Peter Morville and Louis Rosenfeld. Chapter three of the book discusses user needs and behaviors. Information architecture begins with the searcher and why they are searching the web in the first place. It is because they have a need for certain information. According to Moreville and Rosenfeld (2007), “Information architects need to understand those needs and behaviors, and their designs should correspond accordingly. There is no goal more important to designing information architecture than to satisfy user’s needs” (p. 30). The authors call attention to the fact that many searchers believe that locating information is an uncomplicated process, but that is far from the truth. Based on all the Internet searches and research I have done for projects, I absolutely do not believe it to be uncomplicated.
There are many methods of searching that can vary depending on if the researcher knows what they are looking for. For example, known-item seeking is when the person knows what they need and where to go for it. A second type is exploratory seeking where the person is not quite sure what they want. In this case, the searcher may not know how to convey in words what need and really do not have high expectation in locating what they are specifically trying to find. Usually, it is just that they find a few things that are similar to what they were looking for. Lastly there is exhaustive research where the searcher who is focused on a specific subject, looks at everything that is remotely related to the topic. However, this could be frustrating for the user as they can find themselves lost in an onslaught of results. I have used all three of these methods and exhaustive research has always been a thorn in my side. There have been several instances when I have been doing research for a large project on a specific topic and have had to waste time sifting through results that are only somewhat linked to my topic.
In addressing information-seeking behaviors, the authors (2007) stated that, “Searching, browsing and asking are all methods for finding, and are the basic building blocks of information-seeking behavior” (p. 35). Searchers will certainly be utilizing these methods and information architects should be aware of this and make every effort to learn what users need and want. Some of the methods that information architects can use to research what users desire are surveys, task analysis, and focus groups. By having a clearer idea of what users need from specific websites will aid information architects in the design process.
In chapter four of Information Architecture for the World Wide Web, the authors lay out the anatomy of information architecture. It is very important for the architect to be able to visualize information architecture, but it can be difficult as the field is very abstract and when it is well-built, it should be undetectable to users. As a result, information architects must be prepared to promote it. In discussing what is recognizable as information architecture, the authors (2007) have stated that, “it can be structure in some basic ways such as organization systems that present the site’s information in a variety of ways such as content categories, navigation systems that help users move through the content like an A-Z directory, search systems that allow users to search the content, and labeling systems that describe categories, options and links in language that is meaningful to users” (p. 43). By using these systems, the information architect can help searchers to know where they are, find pages with similar subject matter, control the content, and tell the users how to operate the provided services. An interesting comparison for how information architecture should be invisible to users is the expectation of the behavior of servants in a manor house in as late as the early 1900’s. In large houses from that time and before, servants were expected to do their jobs as unobtrusively as possible and anticipate the needs of the residents before they even knew they needed something. They were literally expected to get their jobs done without the residents knowing they were there.
I really enjoyed reading both chapters, but chapter four was particularly illuminating to me as I had never given much thought to the components of information architecture and its relevance and importance to the Internet. However, after finishing the readings, I feel I have a better understanding of how it is designed as well as an appreciation for the architects and what they do to make the users searches and use of the Internet a much more pleasant and easy experience.
References
Morville, Peter & Rosenfeld, Louis. (2007). Information Architecture for the World Wide Web. Sebastopol, CA. O’Reilly Media, Inc.