Information architecture (also known as: lofi wireframes, block diagrams or website mockups), is a simplified version of a website. It focuses on the layout of elements and interactions, leaving out graphic details. This is a key step in graphic design, but in reality it is often overlooked.
While low-fidelity models are created in the early stages of the site's development, the models high-fidelity are presented at a very advanced stage, preceding the coding.
First of all, lofi wireframes allow you to focus on the most important goals and functionalities of your site, leaving out the graphic details. This approach speeds up and optimizes the entire design process.
With good information architecture, we can accurately plan navigation, user flow and placement of key elements (such as buttons, images, descriptions, faq, etc.). This translates into building an intuitive user experience - or UX (user experience) - analogous to the site maps.
With a well-thought-out information architecture, you can instantly create a prototype, which is then easy to test and adjust. Given the graphic simplicity of mock-ups, such changes are much easier to make at the initial design stage than, for example, at the time of implementations of the site.
Undoubtedly, such a measure optimizes the process in terms of cost and time, but most importantly, it reduces the number of errors and corrections.
In the program we use for information architecture design (Figma), there is the possibility for several people to add live comments at the same time. This allows for team-wide discussions, quick feedback and efficient decisions.
By focusing on the structure of the site in the early stages of the project, we avoid costly modifications later. The fact is that some web agencies still skip this stage in their design process.
In summary, information architecture is a fundamental scheme that presents the arrangement of content. Its development is necessary before proceeding to the next stage of work - that is. design.
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