Information Architecture
Content Structure
Plain English
How content is organised so it makes sense to users.
Definition
serviceInformation ArchitectureImprove navigation, content structure, and findability so users can understand where things are and how to move through them.Open service is how information is organised and arranged within a product or glossarySystemA system is a collection of interconnected components that work together to achieve a specific function or outcome.Open glossary term. It defines how content is grouped, ordered, and connected to make it easier for users to understand and navigate.
In practice
Used to organise pages, sections, and components so glossaryContent FlowContent flow describes how content is sequenced and presented across a journey to guide users through information and actions.Open glossary term logically and supports user goals.
In context
It is what determines whether a redesign is a re-skin or a rebuild. Structure that only works for the current page templates will fight every future format.
The reality
Bad structure forces users to work harder than they should - and most won’t bother.
Compared with
Content Structure vs Content Hierarchy
Structure is how content is organised and connected across a glossarySystemA system is a collection of interconnected components that work together to achieve a specific function or outcome.Open glossary term. glossaryHierarchyHierarchy is the organisation of elements to show importance and guide user attention.Open glossary term is the order of importance within a piece. Structure answers where it lives; hierarchy answers what you read first.
FAQ
Common questions
A few practical answers to the questions that usually come up around this term.
What is content structure?
serviceInformation ArchitectureImprove navigation, content structure, and findability so users can understand where things are and how to move through them.Open service is the way information is organised within a glossarySystemA system is a collection of interconnected components that work together to achieve a specific function or outcome.Open glossary term or product.
Why is content structure important?
It helps users understand and navigate content more easily.
How do you create good content structure?
By grouping related information logically and ordering it in a way that supports user needs.
What is the difference between content structure and information architecture?
serviceInformation ArchitectureImprove navigation, content structure, and findability so users can understand where things are and how to move through them.Open service focuses on arrangement, while information glossaryArchitectureArchitecture refers to the structure and organisation of a system, including how components interact and are designed.Open glossary term defines the overall glossarySystemA system is a collection of interconnected components that work together to achieve a specific function or outcome.Open glossary term organisation.
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