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Information architecture and site design
When designing a Web site, organize information in a way that is readily
accessible to users. The structure in which information is organized is
called the
information architecture. In this section, we provide
an approach for determining the information architecture for the top levels
of your Web content manager (WCM) Web site. You structure the information
that is published on a Web site within a
site framework that is
accessed through Web site navigation. In this section, we lead you through
the decision-making process by discussing and defining the information
architecture, key considerations, decision processes, and information design.
Additionally, we explain how to define criteria for site acceptance.
It is important to acknowledge the relationship between the information
architecture and the site framework. The site framework structures the
information about a published site and is closely integrated with the Web
site navigation. To begin, you define an initial site framework with primary
and secondary site areas. The site framework is a prerequisite for the
design and development of the content management system. In addition, you
must develop an initial layout of the home page based on the primary and
secondary site areas. Both the framework and the home page layout require
review and validation with business stakeholders, from both an authoring
and Web usability viewpoint.