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We structure information so people can find it and use it

We are performance architects; we apply our expertise in different media: Web, Intranets, CD-ROM, and print. Specifically, we:

• Apply a systematic process for identifying user's needs.
  
  
• Gather information by discovering the tasks people perform during the course of the day.

We apply a systematic process for identifying user needs

Information architecture is a systematic, question-based process for creating communication products that help users meet their needs.

We base our process on a five-step instructional systems design model. Info.Design's Information Architecture model adds one additional step: envisioning. We believe organizations must envision their organizational needs and mission. They cannot build a communication product without this vision.

To help organizations identify user needs, we help them develop a planning document—"Scope Definition Document." We help them understand.

We gather information by discovering the tasks people perform

People want to get jobs done. In our teaching and consulting, we stress this point:

• If sites are intended to serve a communication function, developers of information need to target information for specific audiences, for specific purposes, within a specific context.

As information architects, we recognize there is a difference between the question organizations typically ask—"what information do you want to put on a website?" and a question organizations need to ask—"what will your audience do on your website?" We help organizations understand user's goals and tasks. And we help them build an audience/task matrix ... as a guide to planning what people will do on the site.

To find out how Info.Design can structure information for your organization, e-mail thom@thomhaller.com.