Information Architecture Consultant

An information architecture consultant helps organisations organise websites, applications and digital products so people can find what they need quickly and complete tasks with confidence. That might involve reviewing navigation, improving content structure, validating taxonomies or testing how information is organised. The goal is to reduce confusion, improve findability and create digital experiences that feel intuitive rather than overwhelming.

Navigation is one part of information architecture. Information architecture is the overall organisation, structure and labelling of information, while navigation is simply one way people move through that structure. A well-designed navigation menu can’t fix poorly organised information. Good information architecture creates the foundation that makes navigation easier to understand and use.

Information architecture should be reviewed whenever users struggle to find information, content has grown significantly or navigation has become increasingly complex. It’s also valuable before redesigning a website, migrating content or introducing new sections, helping ensure the structure supports future growth rather than simply reorganising existing problems.

Yes. Many navigation problems can be solved by improving the underlying information architecture rather than redesigning the interface itself. Changes to content structure, labelling, hierarchy or taxonomy can often have a significant impact without requiring a complete visual redesign.

Card sorting helps you understand how people naturally group and organise information. Tree testing validates whether people can successfully find information within an existing or proposed navigation structure. The two methods are often used together, with card sorting helping shape the structure and tree testing confirming whether it works.

Good navigation helps people complete tasks without unnecessary searching, backtracking or frustration. I use a combination of methods including tree testing, card sorting, analytics, search behaviour and user research to understand how easily people can find information and where the structure could be improved.

That depends on the type of engagement and the complexity of the product or website. Most fixed-price engagements are completed within one to two weeks and include a clearly defined scope, timeline and set of deliverables. Larger content restructures or organisation-wide projects may require a broader engagement, but expectations are agreed before work begins.

Every engagement concludes with practical recommendations that help your team improve navigation, content structure and overall findability. Depending on the engagement, that might include a revised taxonomy, recommendations for restructuring content, prioritised improvements or validation of an existing information architecture. The aim is always to leave you with a clear structure that supports both users and future growth.

There are times when an agency is the right choice, particularly if you need a large multidisciplinary team working across multiple workstreams. If you’re looking for senior expertise, an independent consultant offers a different way of working. You’ll work directly with the person delivering the engagement from start to finish, without account managers, handovers or layers of communication. Decisions are made faster, the work stays consistent and you benefit from experienced advice that’s focused on solving your problem rather than managing a project. For many organisations, it’s a simpler, more flexible and more cost-effective way to access senior product, UX and user research expertise.

I’m based in Manchester, UK and work with organisations across the UK, Europe and internationally. Most engagements are delivered remotely, although I’m always happy to travel when a project benefits from working together in person.

Yes. Most engagements are delivered remotely using Microsoft Teams, Google Meet or Zoom. Working this way keeps projects flexible, efficient and cost-effective while making it easy to support organisations wherever they’re based.

Yes. While most projects are delivered remotely, I’m happy to travel throughout the UK and internationally for workshops, stakeholder sessions, discovery activities and key project milestones where needed.

Absolutely. Most organisations I work with already have product managers, designers, researchers, developers or delivery teams in place. My role is to strengthen your existing capability by providing additional expertise, independent thinking or senior support where it’s needed most.

Yes. I’ve worked with startups, scale-ups, SMEs, agencies, charities, public sector organisations and global enterprises. Every engagement is tailored to your goals, regardless of the size of your organisation.

Yes. Much of my work involves commercially sensitive products, confidential research and government services. I’m happy to sign NDAs and regularly work with organisations where confidentiality is essential.

The fixed-price services are designed around the most common types of engagement, but every organisation is different. If you need something broader or a combination of services, I’ll put together a bespoke proposal based on your goals and the support you need.

Availability changes throughout the year, but many engagements can begin within one to two weeks. If you have a specific deadline or urgent requirement, let me know and I’ll always do my best to accommodate it.

That depends on the engagement, but I always aim to make the best use of your team’s time. Most projects start with a short kick-off session, followed by regular check-ins as findings and recommendations are shared. Before any work begins, you’ll know exactly what’s expected and when.

It starts with a conversation. We’ll discuss what you’re trying to achieve, where you’re experiencing challenges and whether one of the fixed-price services is the right fit. If not, I’ll recommend a more suitable approach based on your goals.