How can you teach information architecture to non-designers?

The simplest way to teach people about information architecture is using card sorting. Getting people to organise information and give the groupings a label based on an activity or an outcome. I also use the grocery store metaphor. This is a completely relatable example. I talk about the rows, signs at the end of rows, the difference between cold storage and non perisables.

I like to approach explaining a complex new topic to someone the same way I would to a child - through the use of simple language and relatable, everyday examples. Imagine you have a big box of toys, books, and games. Information architecture is like arranging and organizing those items so you can find what you want easily and have more fun. That way, when you want to play with toys, you know exactly where to go. It's about creating a plan or a map for all your belongings, making it simple and enjoyable to find and use everything. This concept applies similarly to websites or apps on a computer.

I like to do little experiments and show rather than tell. A quick and easy way to do this is to build a slide deck with multiple labels for information/content and have them do a card/label sort. You give the slide to the person(s) you are teaching and/or a friend. You then ask them to organize the data. Usually there will be multiple interpretations of the architecture (as long as the example is not from something with a well known pattern like an e-comerce site) and it usuall will be top down. I then show them how using a labeling system like tagging would loosen up the architecture to make it more flexible. I also talk about information rention and sequential reveals.

Break down the basic components of information architecture—such as categorisation, hierarchy, navigation, and search—and relate each to familiar examples, like the structure of a shop or the organisation of a website menu.

In my experience everyone is familiar with library systems and navigating aisles for the desired topics. Another example is around supermarkets or home improvement stores. These examples create a quick association with the real world and helps to explain categorisation, prioritisation and hierarchy. I ask them if there is new suspense book launched where will you go and find it? or if you work in store and want to position new product how will you think about positioning. Post such analogy everyone feels confident in participating IA creation or review workshops.

After highlighting IA's importance, delve into its core concepts and terminology. Explain information categorization and the relationships between data pieces. Introduce IA's main components—content, context, and users—and their impact on design. Simplify these ideas with analogies, likening IA to organizing a library, navigating with a map, or choosing from a menu. These comparisons make abstract concepts tangible, helping non-designers grasp how IA structures information to improve accessibility and user experience. This foundational understanding is crucial for appreciating the strategic decisions behind effective information architecture.

To introduce IA, I liken it to organizing a library or crafting a menu. Information is like books or dishes; it needs categorization for easy access. IA's core components—content, context, and users—guide our design decisions, ensuring we meet user needs efficiently. Content is what we offer, context is the scenario in which it's used, and users are our audience. By understanding the relationships between different pieces of information, we create a map that helps users navigate our digital 'library' effortlessly, making the experience intuitive and enjoyable.

Introducing improvements in usability and accessibility in digital environments is crucial, focusing on organizing and structuring information. This involves creating intuitive navigation systems, effective labeling, and search mechanisms to ease user access and understanding of information. Information Architecture (IA) also encompasses interface design, site mapping, and sketching, ensuring accessibility for all users. The goal is to make digital environments intuitive and efficient, meeting user needs with an emphasis on context, content, and usability.

After introducing how crucial is IA for organising digital content and ensuring users can navigate intuitively, I would structure information - like account and cart - and concepts - like site maps and wireframe - based on user needs and behaviours in a way that facilitates usability and findability. Non-designers can understand IA by exploring clear navigation patterns, and collaborating iteratively with stakeholders, content creators, and users throughout the process. At the end, it’s all about seamless user experiences.

The best way to teach Information Architecture is by card sorting. I.e sorting information and features under key selections. It is important to note that for a friendly and effective user experience, you should have maximum control in minimal interactions.

Following the introduction of IA concepts, it's beneficial to walk non-designers through the IA development process. Outline the key stages—research, analysis, design, and testing—and highlight common methods and tools employed at each step, like card sorting for research, sitemaps for analysis, wireframes for design, and user testing for evaluation. Employing real or hypothetical case studies can vividly illustrate how these steps are executed and the tangible results they yield. This practical demonstration not only solidifies understanding of the theoretical aspects but also showcases the iterative nature of IA, emphasizing its role in crafting user-centric information environments.

In crafting IA, my journey begins with research, diving deep into understanding users, content, and context. I use methods like interviews and surveys to gather insights. Analysis follows, where I organize content into logical categories, often employing card sorting. The design phase sees these categories take shape in sitemaps and wireframes, sketching out the information structure. Prototyping brings our IA to life, ready for user testing. This iterative process, where feedback is gold, ensures the IA meets user needs. Real-world projects have proven this approach, streamlining navigation and enhancing user satisfaction, a testament to the power of a well-executed IA process.

Our team goes through these fundamental steps: 1) Conduct research to understand users and content. 2) Analyze to identify patterns and gaps. 3) Define strategies, content organization, and structure. 4) Create wireframes and sitemaps as part of the design. 5) Implement, building the proposed design. 6) Test usability with real users. 7) Launch the project and conduct ongoing evaluations. 8) Maintain, adjusting based on feedback and new needs. This cycle aims to improve the usability and accessibility of information architecture, meeting user demands.

every process starts with Who, what, when, why and how. learning about the context, identify user and their motivation, scenarios of usage and defining the success criteria for the outcome. Talking to users is best way to find out what they are looking for. Also later the success criteria helps for validating the solutions with the potential user base.

Engaging your audience with hands-on activities is a powerful way to solidify their understanding of IA. Encourage participation in exercises like card sorting, sitemap creation, or wireframe sketching. Present challenges that necessitate applying IA skills, such as navigating a website, critiquing an existing IA, or suggesting enhancements. Offering feedback and fostering a space for discussion and queries enhances learning. This interactive approach not only reinforces the concepts but also empowers participants to think critically about information architecture, making the learning experience both educational and practical.

To make IA lessons impactful, I involve my audience directly. I engage them in hands-on activities like card sorting and sitemap creation, turning theory into practice. We dive into wireframe sketching, making abstract concepts tangible. I present challenges, from navigating websites to critiquing existing IAs, pushing them to apply their skills. Feedback is a two-way street; I guide, but also listen, fostering a dynamic learning environment. This approach not only deepens understanding but also sparks creativity, as participants share insights and ask probing questions. It’s about making the learning process as interactive and engaging as the designs we aim to create.

What I've found most effective is to get them to take part in a workshop on a subject they know inside out and think is ultra-simple to solve. One of the most successful examples is fast food. It's simply a matter of imagining a paper cut-out interface to quickly and easily order burgers, nuggets, fries, salad, drinks and desserts separately and in menus. We have to take into account children, vegetarians, people looking for a balanced diet, those who want the cheapest, those who prefer large portions, etc. The interface is animated by hand and tested by another team.

I believe that a very effective form of engagement is to provide workshops with real use cases, so that it's possible for them to understand the entire path and processes that Information Architecture (IA) goes through.

Wrap up your IA teaching by underscoring its benefits for projects and user satisfaction. Summarize key points, showing how IA improves navigation and user experience. Offer resources for further learning—books, articles, podcasts, and courses—and encourage joining IA communities for networking. This emphasizes IA's importance in digital projects and fosters a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth, highlighting its critical role in meeting both project goals and user needs efficiently.

In wrapping up, I highlight IA's immense value, showing how it meets user needs and achieves project goals. I summarize key takeaways, reinforcing how these insights can elevate their work. To fuel ongoing growth, I recommend resources—books, articles, podcasts, and courses. I encourage joining the IA community, a space for sharing passion and insights with like-minded professionals. This isn’t just about today’s lessons; it’s about embedding IA deeply into their practice, fostering a continuous learning mindset, and expanding their professional network. IA isn’t just a tool; it’s a transformative approach for success.

Indicating online communities, books, podcasts, articles, events, meetings, and some reference names in the market can be a great addition to introduce people who are unaware of the entire process to this world.

One of the benefits of good Information Architecture should be good SEO. IA doesn't end at page titles - the organization of content should be reflected in the content of each page, and subsequently, the headings organizing it. Well-written and properly nested headings will vastly improve the readability and success of your content.

With words. With words. With words. With words. With words. With words. With words. With words. With words. With words. Did I tell you that you do it with words?

Tell a story, use a visual illustration and use simple terms, don't over-ux it! It doesn't matter how much sense what you say makes if your audience doesn't understand you.

If you have an FAQ, stop and reconsider why. Frequently asked questions should be a guide to what content is featured most prominently on pages and the language you need to guide your visitors. It should not be an excuse for another page that floats, untethered to the rest of your navigation.

sometimes there is no one solution fits all case. web channel vs mobile channel would need different IA. young person vs old people might need different IA. Or at times as per frequency of the use some customisation might be needed via settings options.

Car sorting and affinity diagramming are in my opinion the best way to understand prioritizing of ideas and creating hierarchy. When you assign values to ideas like importance in terms of time or resources you need to dedicate to an idea it starts to become evident what the AI is.