How can you effectively train others on information architecture best practices?

1 Assess their needs and goals

Before you start any training session, you need to understand the needs and goals of your audience. What is their level of familiarity with IA concepts and tools? What are their expectations and learning objectives? What are the challenges and opportunities they face in their work? By asking these questions, you can tailor your training content and methods to their specific context and interests.

2 Explain the benefits and principles of IA

Next, you need to explain why IA matters and what are the main principles that guide it. You can use examples and case studies to illustrate how IA improves the user experience, the business outcomes, and the content management of a project. You can also introduce the core IA concepts, such as information needs, information types, information structures, navigation systems, labeling systems, and search systems. You can use diagrams, metaphors, and analogies to make these concepts clear and memorable.

3 Demonstrate the IA process and methods

Then, you need to show how to apply the IA principles to a real project using a systematic process and methods. You can use a project that you have worked on or a hypothetical one that is relevant to your audience. You can walk them through the main steps of the IA process, such as research, analysis, design, testing, and evaluation. You can also demonstrate the methods and tools that you use for each step, such as card sorting, tree testing, wireframing, prototyping, usability testing, and analytics.

4 Engage them in hands-on activities

After you have shown the IA process and methods, you need to let your audience practice them on their own or in groups. You can give them a small task or a scenario that requires them to apply some of the IA concepts and techniques that you have taught. You can also provide them with feedback, guidance, and resources to help them complete the task. By engaging them in hands-on activities, you can reinforce their learning, boost their confidence, and stimulate their creativity.

5 Review the key takeaways and next steps

Finally, you need to wrap up the training session by reviewing the key takeaways and next steps. You can summarize the main points and lessons that you have covered, highlight the best practices and standards that they should follow, and answer any questions or doubts that they may have. You can also provide them with additional resources, such as books, articles, podcasts, or courses, that they can use to deepen their knowledge and skills on IA.

By following these steps, you can effectively train others on IA best practices and help them improve their UX projects.