Information Architecture

Common Patterns

Pattern 1: Content Audit → Card Sort → Sitemap

When: Redesigning existing site/app with lots of content

Process:

1. Content audit: Inventory all existing content (URLs, titles, metadata)
2. Card sorting: Users group content cards into categories
3. Analyze patterns: What categories emerge? What's grouped together?
4. Create sitemap: Translate patterns into hierarchical structure
5. Validate with tree testing: Can users find content in new structure?

Example: E-commerce site with 500 products. Audit products → Card sort with 15 users → Patterns show users group by "occasion" not "product type" → New navigation: "Daily Essentials", "Special Occasions", "Gifts" instead of "Electronics", "Clothing", "Home Goods"