Information Architecture of WDVL
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This page examines the design of the WDVL from an 'information
architecture' standpoint through an independent study
conducted by Argus Associates.
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Argus Associates
specializes in information architecture design for large,
complex intranets and Web sites. They apply the principles of
information science and librarianship to create organization, labeling,
navigation, and indexing systems that help users find the information
they need.
They have provided information architecture consulting for a diverse
group of clients,
including Chrysler, Dow Chemical, Barron's Magazine, Border Books &
Music, SIGGRAPH, and Encyclopaedia Britannica.
We have arranged with them to present an analysis of our site.
In reading this analysis, keep in mind that they are not commenting on
all possible issues, good or bad - they focus only on those areas they
feel most in need of improvement. Also, do not read it as a 'score
card' for Stars.com. There is too much left unsaid, and not enough
'usability science' yet available to make the exercise objective enough
to provide a rating method for web sites. But there is much of value
here, and we hope that you will find Argus' critique interesting,
useful, and thought-provoking.
Note that the example pages referenced in the article have been
copied to a 'frozen' directory and that over time the content and
function of these pages may not remain accurate.
We suggest that if you actually want to use these pages
you should use the originals which will be kept updated.
And we forgot to freeze the associated style sheet which has since
evolved and so some of the color combinations may not be optimally
legible.
Many of the graphics are from
Iconographics.
Some of their recommendations I concur with and have
started to implement. Some I will need more time to think about. And a
few I find less obvious.
I do not mean 'disagreeable' - as far as I'm concerned,
if a user of WDVL has a suggestion, I must always listen
to it and try to understand where they're coming from. But I also must
weigh many, many factors, and sometimes I will just have to differ.
There was one segment I found less obvious than the others, and so
here are my comments.
See also:
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