Introduction to Information Architecture

Below is a list of introductory resources that will serve as a great starting point for anyone new to the field.

There are currently 49 introductory resources in the library.

Articles and Papers

ユニバーサロンレポート: アクセシビリティやユーザビリティ満たす情報の枠組み (10/3/2003)
Subject: Information Architecture - General
Language: Japanese
Abstract: 2003年10月2日に行われたソシオメディア主催のフォーラム「成功するウェブサイトの情報整理術－インフォメーション・アーキテクチャの視点」の紹介および同フォーラムのために初来日したルイス・ローゼンフェルド氏への動画インタビュー。

Am I An Information Architect? PDF Document (3/20/2007)
Subject: Education & Training, Information Architecture - Education & Training, Information Architecture - General
Language: English
Abstract: Many people have asked themselves this question. We often find ourselves alone at the office wondering why we can’t fit into any specific department or, after so many evaluations, feel like we’re just not doing what it is that we really want to. The questions listed in this document may help you. Once you have completed the form we will recommend some steps that you can take to further your interests, find support and join a community of like-minded people.
Available Translations:
Español at iainstitute.org/es/docomentos/Soy_un_AI.pdf

Becoming an Information Architect
by Sacha Cohen (1999)
Subject: Information Architecture - Job Skills
Language: English
Abstract: An interview with Mattie Langenberg, principal of the Chicago-based Schema Studios, and Creative Director Michael Brooks about the field of information architecture and what it takes to succeed as an information architect.

Facets in your Future
by Bob Doyle (6/8/2004)
Subject: Faceted Classification
Language: English
Abstract: A faceted alternative to fixed-hierarchy, single-taxonomy, directory-style websites.

Folksonomies - Cooperative Classification and Communication Through Shared Metadata
by Adam Mathes (12/2004)
Subject: Classification
Language: English
Abstract: An explanation of folksonomies, with examples from Flickr and del.icio.us.

How to Make a Faceted Classification and Put It On the Web
by William Denton (11/2003)
Subject: Faceted Classification
Language: English
Abstract: Describes when to use faceted classification on web sites and provides instruction for creating a faceted classification system.

IA再考
by Jesse James Garrett (2002)
Subject: Information Architecture - General
Language: Japanese
Abstract: 2001年のIAサミットを境にIAの理論と実践についてIAコミュニティでかつてない議論が起こりました。この6つの章からなるエッセイは、IAの今までとそしてこれからどこへ向かっていくべきなのか論争に終止符を打つべくJJGが書き上げた渾身のエッセイです。
Available Translations:
English at www.jjg.net/ia/recon/

Information Architecture Glossary
by Kat Hagedorn (2000)
Subject: Information Architecture - General
Language: English
Abstract: This glossary is intended to foster development of a shared vocabulary within the new and rapidly evolving field of information architecture. It should serve as a valuable reference for anyone involved with or interested in the design of information architectures for web sites, intranets and other information systems.

Information Architecture Tutorial
by John Shiple (11/9/1998)
Subject: Information Architecture - General
Language: English
Abstract: This article is an introduction to the field of information architecture. Five lessons are given in goal definition, audiences and competitors, site content, site structure, and visual design.

Interview with Louis Rosenfeld and Peter Morville
by Scott Hill (2000)
Subject: Information Architecture - General
Language: English
Abstract: An O'Reilly interview with Peter Morville and Lou Rosenfeld about their book, Information Architecture for the World Wide Web, their work, and the field of information architecture.

Introducción a la Arquitectura de Información
by Javier Velasco (2001)
Subject: Information Architecture - General
Language: Español
Abstract: Una introducción a la profesión, escrita por el Arquitecto de Información chileno Javier Velasco.

La arquitectura de la información del siglo XX al XXI
by Jesús Bustamante (12/18/2002)
Subject: Information Architecture - General
Language: Español
Abstract: Resumen de la historia reciente de la Arquitectura de Información, comenzando en la decada de 1970.

Site Navigation: A Few Helpful Definitions
by Indi Young (2002)
Subject: Navigation
Language: English
Abstract: Provides some basic definitions surrounding site navigation that will help your team with building a shared vocabulary for more effective collaboration.

The Definition of Information Architecture
by Peter Morville (11/14/2002)
Subject: Information Architecture - General
Language: Romanian

The Role of Classification in Knowledge Representation and Discovery
by Barabara H. Kwasnik (7/1999)
Subject: Classification, Classification Systems, Organizational Theory
Language: English
Abstract: THE LINK BETWEEN CLASSIFICATION AND KNOWLEDGE is explored. Classification schemes have properties that enable the representation of entities and relationships in structures that reflect knowledge of the domain being classified. Examples are provided of the way in which knowledge and the classification process affect each other.
Note: Cited by Abe Crystal on AIfIA list.

User-centred redesign of the FaCS intranet
by Donna Maurer (6/2004)
Subject: Case Studies, Intranets & Extranets
Language: English
Abstract: The Department of Family and Community Services applied user-centred techniques in the redevelopment of their large Government intranet, and it serves as a useful model for other organisations looking to tackle the same issues.

We Are All Information Architects
by Stanislaw Skorka (1/2008)
Subject: Information Architecture - General, Information Architecture - Job Skills
Language: Polish
Abstract: An interview with Eric Reiss about information architecture. Addresses the issue of its definition, how to develop as an IA professional, and what fields of knowledge and skills an information architect should have.
Note: also in English
Also available at: www.ap.krakow.pl/konspekt/30/index.php?i=001

What Is An Information Architect? PDF Document (3/20/2007)
Subject: Education & Training, Information Architecture - Education & Training, Information Architecture - General
Language: English
Abstract: The Information Architecture Institute is an international organization committed to advancing and promoting the practice of information architecture. We define information architecture as the art and science of organizing and labeling websites, intranets, online communities and software to support usability. As information proliferates exponentially, usability is becoming the critical success factor for websites and software applications. Good IA lays the necessary groundwork for an information system that makes sense to users.

¿Cuál es un Arquitecto de Información? PDF Document (3/20/2007)
Subject: Education & Training, Information Architecture - Education & Training, Information Architecture - General
Language: Español
Abstract: Definimos a la arquitectura de información como el arte y ciencia de organizar y etiquetar sitios web, intranets, comunidades online y software para mejorar la usabilidad. A medida que la información prolifera exponencialmente, la usabilidad se está convirtiendo en un factor crítico de éxito para los sitios web y las aplicaciones de software. Una buena AI establece las bases necesarias para un sistema de información que tenga sentido para sus usuarios.

¿Soy un Arquitecto de Información? PDF Document (3/20/2007)
Subject: Education & Training, Information Architecture - Education & Training, Information Architecture - General
Language: Español
Abstract: Mucha gente se ha hecho esta pregunta: ¿Soy un Arquitecto de Información? Muchas veces nos encontramos solos en la oficina preguntándonos por qué no encajamos en un departamento específico o, después de una cantidad de evaluaciones, sentimos que simplemente no estamos haciendo lo que realmente queremos.
Available Translations:
English at iainstitute.org/documents/learn/Am_I_an_IA.pdf

Blogs, Columns and Journals

フランスの情報屋
by Kimio Hayashi (2004)
Subject: Controlled Vocabularies, Information Organization, Metadata
Language: Japanese
Abstract: フランスで言語学博士課程の林公生がテクニカルコミュニケーションの視点から「フランス」と「情報を伝えるための方法論」を身近な口調で紹介するコラム。

明示的に宣言されます。
by Naomi Sato (2002)
Subject: Faceted Classification, Searching, Web Development
Language: Japanese
Abstract: 佐藤直美によるWeb情報設計についてのウェブログ。毎回鋭い視点で軽快にかつさわやかにファセット分類法から映画にダイエットと幅広くアットランダムに語られる。

Books

ウェブ・ユーザビリティ ルールブック Web Usability in Japan
by Toshikazu Shinohara, Yukiko Takei (2001)
Subject: Accessibility, Navigation
Language: Japanese
Abstract: ビービットによるWebユーザビリティとサイト設計についての入門書。本書は日本語サイトを事例に、ナビゲーションや基本インターフェース、ページデザインなど、サイト設計時に考慮すべき基本事項を初心者向けに丁寧に解説している。

実践情報アーキテクチャ
by Eric Reiss, Toshikazu Shinohara (2002)
Subject: Information Architecture - General
Language: Japanese
Abstract: サイト構築のプロセスをインフォメーションアーキテクトの実践的なアプローチを手本に紹介。サイトの目的設定からコンテンツ整理、カテゴライズ方法、機能要件の決定方法やユーザビリティの検証方法など。

情報デザイン - 分りやすさの設計
Subject: Information Design, Interface Design
Language: Japanese
Abstract: 情報デザインアソシエイツ(IID.j）編集による「分りやすさ」「伝えやすさ」とは何か、情報デザインの歴史や最新の研究成果、理論、思想などを情報化社会の中での「情報デザイン」の考え方として提示。巻末の「情報デザインを知るためのキーワード」と「参考文献」が非常に役立つ。日本語版のみであるが海外からも絶賛される1冊。

Beyond Book Indexing
by Diane Brenner, Marilyn Rowland (2000)
Subject: Indexing, Supplemental Navigation
Language: English
Abstract: How to get started in web indexing, with a back-of-the-book style A-Z index as a supplemental navigation tool.

Definind Arhitectura Informatiei
by Peter Morville, Lou Rosenfeld (6/1/2000)
Subject: Information Architecture - General
Language: Romanian
Abstract: Ce este arhitectura informatiei? Un domeniu care se naste ori o stea cazatoare? Ce face un arhitect de informatie? Esti tu un arhitect de informatie? Sint eu? Este asta o eticheta potrivita pentru disciplina noastra? Mai conteaza etichetele si definitiile?

Diseño Digital
by Javier Royo
Subject: Information Architecture - General, User Centered Design, Web Design
Language: Español
Abstract: En el presente libro se explican de forma sencilla y clara los conceptos fundamentales para entender y aprender todo lo relativo al diseño digital. Se habla de cómo ha evolucionado el lenguaje del diseño con la aparición y el desarrollo de las nuevas tecnologías (Internet, telefonía, móvil, redes, televisión digital...) Se realiza un recorrido por la historia del diseño de la interfaz gráfica de usuario y de los sistemas de comunicación utilizados en la misma. Se analizan de forma profunda las relaciones entre las computadoras y el ser humano (usabilidad) y se establecen las pautas para la creación gráfica y el diseño en Internet de los sistemas de iconos, la tipografía, el color o las estructuras de información (mapas).

Information Architecture
by Laura Caprio, Beatrice Ghiglione (2003)
Subject: Information Architecture - General
Language: Italiano
Abstract: Partendo dalle origini e dalle definizioni della disciplina, il libro propone un modello di progettazione dell'architettura informativa, le attività di cui si compone, le tecniche su cui si fonda e i consigli su come utilizzarle. Le attività di progettazione, suddivise in tre fasi sequenziali, vengono presentate in maniera dettagliata, dando particolare rilevanza alla descrizione dell'attività, agli obiettivi ad essa legati, ai dati d'indagine (input), alle tecniche per condurre l'attività e ai risultati anche parziali (output) che vengono prodotti e danno forma al progetto.

Information Architecture for the World Wide Web
by Peter Morville, Lou Rosenfeld (2002)
Subject: Information Architecture - General
Language: English
Abstract: This book introduces the user to the emerging field of information architecture. It teaches how to design web sites and intranets that support growth, management and ease of use.
Available Translations:
Japanese at www.amazon.co.jp/exec/obidos/ASIN/487311134X/ia-22/

Information Architecture: Blueprints for the Web
by Christina Wodtke (2002)
Subject: Information Architecture - General, Process & Techniques, User Centered Design
Language: English
Abstract: This book introduces the core concepts of information architecture: organizing web site content for findability, designing pleasant web site interactions, and creating an easy to use interface. This book aims to teach the information architecture skills necessary to avoid making costly mistakes. It is intended for everyone that works with information architecture including designers, programmers, and project managers.

Organizzare la conoscenza. Dalle biblioteche all’architettura dell’informazione per il Web
by Claudio Gnoli, Vittorio Marino, Luca Rosati (4/2006)
Subject: Classification, Findability, Library & Information Science
Language: Italiano
Abstract: Come classificare l’informazione (nel Web e non) per renderla facilmente reperibile? Dopo una breve introduzione sui principi teorici dell’organizzazione della conoscenza, attraverso casi concreti il libro descrive come le tecniche di classificazione elaborate in ambito bibliotecario possano essere applicate con successo all’architettura dell’informazione per il Web.

The Elements of User Experience
by Jesse James Garrett (2002)
Subject: Information Architecture - General, User Centered Design, Visual Design
Language: English
Abstract: The Elements of User Experience cuts through the complexity of user-centered design for the Web with clear explanations and vivid illustrations that focus on ideas rather than tools or techniques. Jesse James Garrett gives readers the big picture of Web user experience development, from strategy and requirements to information architecture and visual design. This accessible introduction helps any Web development team, large or small, to create a successful user experience.

Web情報アーキテクチャ
by Peter Morville, Lou Rosenfeld, Toshikazu Shinohara (2003)
Subject: Information Architecture - General
Language: Japanese
Abstract: 複雑で大規模になりがちな今日のWebサイト構築には、ユーザーにとって使いやすく設計するための論理的なノウハウが必要です。それらを情報整理や分類学、ユーザー調査、さらにはエンタープライズレベルの組織改造までと幅広い視点からWebサイトを情報提供ツールとするための論理的な方法論として紹介。人気があった『情報アーキテクチャ入門』の第2版。
Available Translations:
English at www.amazon.com/gp/product/0596000359/qid=1144254459

Organizations, Conferences and Mailing Lists

ia-j
Subject: Discussion Lists, Information Architecture - General
Language: Japanese
Abstract: インフォメーションアーキテクトとは何か、セミナーやMLを通して模索するIAAJ (Information Archiect Association Japan)主催のメーリングリスト。

Isko Italia (2003)
Subject: Classification, Indexing, Information Organization
Language: Italiano
Abstract: L'International Society for Knowledge Organization (ISKO) è un'associazione internazionale che si propone di studiare aspetti teorici, metodologici e sperimentali dell'organizzazione delle conoscenze, facendone una vera e propria scienza. Dall'analisi dei diversi approcci semantici all'informazione (classificazioni, ontologie, tesauri...) vengono sviluppati principi e modelli, applicabili a contesti diversi quali basi di dati, biblioteche, dizionari, Internet, ecc.

Presentations

IA Network Guide PDF Document
by Wolf Noeding (3/22/2007)
Subject: Information Architecture - General
Language: English
Abstract: This guide is for 1. YOU, 2. people that are interested in the field of IA and 3. members of the IA Institute to answer some questions about... - Who's an IA? - What are local groups? - How do IAs network and collaborate? - What initiatives are currently available? - How can I join in the initiatives? - What's the workflow of the translation initiative for example? - How do existing Tools and Platforms support me in network and collaboration?

PowerPoint Introduction to Visual Vocabulary Microsoft PowerPoint Document
by Jesse James Garrett (3/16/2002)
Subject: Information Architecture - Theory, Process & Techniques
Language: English
Abstract: This PowerPoint presentation provides a high-level overview of visual vocabularies and their use.
Note: This links to a Microsoft PowerPoint document.

The Information Architecture of Everyday Things Microsoft PowerPoint Document
by Jesse James Garrett (3/17/2002)
Subject: Information Architecture - Theory, Information Science
Language: English
Abstract: A PowerPoint presentation on information architecture and information science as it relates to everyday things and the world around us.
Note: This links to a Microsoft PowerPoint document.

Web Sites and Resources

インフォメーションアーキテクチャ関連用語集
Subject: Information Architecture - General
Language: Japanese
Abstract: ミツエーリンクによるWebサイト構築における情報アーキテクチャ分野の関連用語集。

A Visual Vocabulary for Describing Information Architecture and Interaction Design
by Jesse James Garrett (2002)
Subject: Process & Techniques
Language: English
Abstract: This document discusses the considerations in development of such diagrams, outlines a basic symbology for diagramming information architecture and interaction design concepts, and provides guidelines for the use of these elements.

FQSラボラトリ Information Architecture (2003)
Subject: Information Architecture - Theory
Language: Japanese
Abstract: Webサイト構築において情報アーキテクチャ分野で考慮すべき4つの項目（前提条件、構造化、デザイン、コンテンツ）についてミツエリンクの制作ノウハウからの独自定義を紹介。

IA Classics in Comic Book Form PDF Document
by Dan Willis
Subject: Card Sorting, Personas, Site Blueprints
Language: English
Abstract: Illustrations are used in presenting classic IA tools such as sitepath diagramming, topic mapping, free listing, card sorting, and personas.
Note: This links to a PDF document.

IBM 使いやすさ (Ease of Use) Web design
Subject: Guides & Collections, User Centered Design, Web Design
Language: Japanese
Abstract: 初心者および中級者レベルのWebサイト設計者向けにIBMの研究グループが策定した使いやすいインターフェースとWebサイト設計のためのガイドライン。
Available Translations:
English at www-3.ibm.com/ibm/easy/eou_ext.nsf/publish/572

IBM Ease of Use Web design guidelines
Subject: Guides & Collections, User Centered Design, Web Design
Language: English
Abstract: The IBM Ease of Use Group's guidelines for following a user-centered design process and creating easy-to-use Web interfaces. The information is valuable for a range of designers from novices to the more experienced and covers such topics as planning, design, production, and maintenance.
Available Translations:
Japanese at www-6.ibm.com/jp/design/eou/3webdesi/index.html

La classificazione a faccette: guida per la costruzione e l'utilizzazione di schemi speciali
by Brian Vickery (1972)
Subject: Classification Systems, Faceted Classification, Indexing
Language: Italiano
Abstract: Traduzione italiana del testo di Vickery "Faceted Classification: a guide to construction and use of special schemes", London, ASLIB, 1960. Vickery è uno dei membri più autorevoli del CRG (Classification Research Group), che negli anni '60 riprese e affinò la teoria delle faccette elaborata da Ranganathan. Questo libro resta ancora oggi uno dei riferimenti fondamentali sulla classificazione a faccette.

The Elements of User Experience PDF Document
by Jesse James Garrett
Subject: Experience Design
Language: English
Abstract: This one-page PDF attempts to impose order upon the chaotic array of terms and concepts currently being used to describe user experience development.
Note: This links to a PDF document.

Usability Glossary
by Bob Goodman
Subject: User Testing
Language: English
Abstract: A glossary of some common terms and ideas from the usability profession.

What an Information Architect Does PDF Document
by Jesse James Garrett
Subject: Information Architecture - General
Language: English
Abstract: This PDF document summarizes the results of a comparative analysis of IA job descriptions conducted in July 2000.
Note: This links to a PDF document.


View only results in: