Your team is resistant to IA changes. How can you get them on board?

1 Educate Thoroughly

Education is key in overcoming resistance to IA changes. You need to ensure your team understands what Information Architecture is and how it benefits the user experience and the business. Explain the concepts of IA such as taxonomy, navigation, and metadata in a way that relates to their daily work. Use examples and case scenarios to illustrate how improved IA can lead to more intuitive interfaces, better findability, and ultimately, a more efficient workflow.

3 Address Concerns

It's crucial to address any concerns your team may have about the IA changes directly. Listen to their worries about additional workload or the learning curve associated with new systems. Assure them that support and training will be provided to ease the transition. Discuss the long-term benefits of the changes, such as improved user satisfaction and potential for increased productivity, to help them see the value in adopting new IA strategies.

4 Showcase Benefits

To get your team on board with IA changes, showcase the tangible benefits that these changes will bring. Demonstrate how a well-structured IA can lead to faster information retrieval, reduced user frustration, and a more cohesive digital environment. Share success stories or simulations that highlight the positive impact of effective IA on user experience and organizational efficiency. Seeing real-world examples can help your team visualize the improvements and get excited about the changes.

5 Foster Collaboration

Fostering a collaborative environment is crucial when implementing IA changes. Encourage your team to work together to solve IA-related problems and to think of the IA as a shared asset that everyone contributes to. Establishing cross-functional teams can help break down silos and ensure that various perspectives are considered in the IA design process. Collaboration not only improves the IA itself but also builds a sense of community and shared purpose among team members.

6 Maintain Flexibility

Finally, maintaining flexibility throughout the IA change process is important. Be open to making adjustments based on feedback and be patient as your team adapts to new information structures. Recognize that there may be a period of adjustment where productivity could dip as your team learns to navigate the new IA. Continuous communication and the willingness to iterate on the IA design will show your team that their input is valued and that the goal is to find the best solution for everyone.