UX Information Architecture
A skill that designs Information Architecture (IA) as ASCII diagrams.
When to Use
- •Designing overall screen hierarchy for apps/web
- •Defining navigation structures
- •Content classification and grouping
- •Creating sitemaps
IA Diagram Symbols
Hierarchy Nodes
code
[Root] ← Top level (app/site) ├─[Section] ← Section (category) │ ├─[Page] ← Page │ │ └─[SubPage] ← Sub page │ └─[Page] └─[Section]
Node Types
code
[Page Name] ← Regular page
[[Core Page]] ← Core page (emphasis)
(Modal/Overlay) ← Modal/Overlay
{Dynamic Content} ← Dynamic content
<External Link> ← External link
[Page*] ← Auth required
IA Structure Patterns
Hierarchical Tree
code
[Application]
│
├─[Dashboard]
│ ├─[Overview]
│ └─[Statistics]
│
├─[Projects]
│ ├─[Project List]
│ │ └─{Project Item}
│ └─(New Project Modal)
│
└─[Settings]*
├─[Profile]
└─[Security]
IA Design Principles
- •3-click rule: Major content reachable within 3 levels
- •Menu items: 7±2 recommended
- •Hierarchy depth: 4 levels or less recommended