Information Architecture: Blueprints for the Web (2nd Edition) [Paperback]

Christina Wodtke (Author), Austin Govella (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0321600800 | ISBN-13: 978-0321600806 | Publication Date: February 1, 2009 | Edition: 2

Information Architecture: Blueprints for the Web, Second Edition introduces the core concepts of information architecture: organizing web site content so that it can be found, designing website interaction so that it's pleasant to use, and creating an interface that is easy to understand. This book helps designers, project managers, programmers, and other information architecture practitioners avoid costly mistakes by teaching the skills of information architecture swiftly and clearly.

Product Details

• Paperback: 312 pages
• Publisher: New Riders Press; 2 edition (February 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0321600800
• ISBN-13: 978-0321600806
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #240,925 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Information Architecture defined...(2nd Edition review), March 24, 2009

By 

John McSwain "Compound J" (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Information Architecture: Blueprints for the Web (2nd Edition) (Paperback)

Wodkte and Govella do a good job in outlining their definition of the basic principles of IA:
- Design for Wayfinding
- Set expectations and provide feedback
- Design ergonomically
- Be consistent / consider standards
- Provide error support (Prevent, Protect, and Inform)
- Rely on Recognition rather than on recall
- Provide for people of varying skill levels
- Provide contextual help and documentation

While the illustrations that drive home the subject matter can be a little clipart-ish at times, the concepts are presented in a non-technical and non-jargon based way. Each topic is explained clearly using an outline / numbered bullet format to ensure that each section can be clearly understood independently and collectively. Items such as `Who are the users?' may seem trivial at first, but imagine how many interpretations of `who are users' exist with an organization and the problems that arise when the user begins to morph throughout the product lifecycle. Wodtke and Govella decompose several non-obvious items such as persona creation and navigational types (structural, associative, and utility) into chunks that are comprehensible (Hrair Limit). I was genuinely surprised to find a section for Social Architecture which exposed me to topics such as Kurt Lewin's formula for understanding human behavior and the elements of social architecture: identity + elements, relationships + elements, and activity + elements.

The book can be read from cover to cover, if time permits. However, most of the world will probably use this book as a reference guide for completing IA related tasks as they arise. I would strongly recommend that all aspiring and current IAs give the book a once over to spawn new thoughts about the discipline or to renew the interest in keeping things usable and findable.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great intro to information architecture, May 16, 2010

By 

Ghaida Zahran (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Information Architecture: Blueprints for the Web (2nd Edition) (Paperback)

This book is not meant for specialized Information Architects, rather it is aimed at Designers who need to perform IA tasks as part of their job. The book touches on key points such as creating personas and user-flows. This easy-to-read book carries a light-hearted tone, and charming illustrations by Michael Fleming are used as humorous visual aids for the concepts.

Concepts such as usability basics, user-centered design, and social web design are explained, and there is even a chapter with a case study on the Boxes & Arrows website. The book is a great addition to any interaction designer's library.

13 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Three Information Architecture Heroes..., March 9, 2009

By 

EFFETTI (Silicon Valley, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Information Architecture: Blueprints for the Web (2nd Edition) (Paperback)

Now I have three information design heros - Tufte, Wodtke & Govella. "Information Architecture - Blueprints For The WEB" SECOND ADDITION by Wodtke & Govella is exactly what the title suggests - a guide to effective form, structure and organization of information on the web. A quick glance at the table of contents reveals essential topics like; Principles, Balance, Search, Navigation, Flow, and Social Spaces. Graphic illustrations abound to give the reader concrete examples of the principles the authors set forth. Anyone considering upping their game and thinking relative to web building should get two ( 2 ) copies of this book; one to read, reference and literally carry around, and a second one to replace the first one when it wears out.