This section describes defining, planning, designing information architecture and site interface.
When designing a website, always organize the site in a way that is easily accessible by users. The structure in which information is organized is called the
information architecture. In this section, we describe an approach for determining the information architecture for the top levels of your web site.
In IBM Web Content Manager (WCM), content is structured and organized within the site framework. The site framework can then provide navigation for the site. We outline the decision making process by defining the information architecture, describing key considerations,decision processes, and information design. Additionally, we describe how to define criteria for site acceptance.
It is important to understand the relationship between the information architecture and the site framework. The site framework structures the information about a website and is closely integrated with the website navigation. To begin with, 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 general site use viewpoint.
The following topics are covered in the subsections:
2.3.1 Defining information architecture
2.3.2 Key considerations and decision processes
2.3.3 Designing information architecture
2.3.4 Introduction to personalization
2.3.5 Site acceptance and information architecture workshop