Information Architecture Perfection - Is it achievable ?

The web is maturing all the time.  Such is the maturity of the Internet that I often find myself working on information architecture projects and content audits for 3rd and 4th generation websites and Intranets.  Over the years I've discovered where to draw the line to get the best results from a website project while delivering on time and to budget.

The best thing about information architecture for websites is that there is always room for improvement.  But it is a double edged sword.  The closer you get to what you think is the perfect architecture, the further you realise you are away from it and the more work you see needs to be done.  

The problem is that people interpret content in their own individual and unique ways.  With the Internet opening up such a large and diverse audience that it is very difficult to please each and every user.  Then there are other factors, such as search engine optimisation that come into the mix.  It is hard enough trying to please humans, but pleasing both humans and computers, well that's another thing altogether.

The problem has been highlighted for me trying to train new staff in the skills of information architecture.  You come to realise that what might seem straightforward to me can actually be a quantum leap for many, one that is only bridged from years of experience in the field.

Fortunately the tools and methods for testing information architecture are getting better and better and there are many proven models and templates that work well.  So while you may not achieve a website that is perfect for everyone, you can learn alot from trends in usability.

Information architecture ensures that there is never a shortage of work to be done on your customers projects, but customers seldom realise the need for it, the scale of the work that needs to be done and the skills needed to do it.  

While information architecture and user-centred design can at times be a massive undertaking, the cost of not doing it properly can be massive. It is important to realise that any flaws in your content structure and site navigation can potentially white ant your website.  If the foundations are compromised and not up to the job then the whole thing can come tumbling down.  A frustrating website experience can ruin your business or the reputation of your whole organisation, afterall people these days see websites as something to make their life easier and doing business with you more convenient.

At the same time, in the web design business, it doesn't pay to be quixotic.  There are real world demands and customers can't afford to wait while your next website is in development for months or even years and customers can't afford to pay you to be mulling over things for months.  A good web developer understands the balance which must be struck, how much research is required, how far to go and where to draw the line.

Although there are more and more people out there who can build a website, the number who can effectively design and structure large, mature websites is getting smaller all the time.  So it pays to use someone who knows what they are doing.