information-architect_skill

Overview

This skill delivers world-class information architecture workflows that make complex products feel obvious. It defines hierarchy, navigation, labeling, taxonomy, and content models so users can find things quickly and predictably. Use it to turn messy features into a coherent system that guides product, design, and engineering decisions.

How this skill works

I start by scoping users, top tasks, constraints, and the existing structure to frame the problem with evidence. Then I pick one primary organizing principle and produce a minimal set of IA artifacts: a short IA thesis, a sitemap/app map, navigation rules, labeling guidelines, and a lightweight taxonomy only if needed. Finally I validate with quick findability checks and create implementation notes so design and engineering can ship without guesswork.

When to use it

• Designing or redesigning app or website structure and menus
• Creating docs/knowledge base hierarchies or onboarding flows
• Defining search, filters, and facets to match user mental models
• Building permissions-based or role-specific navigation
• Consolidating a messy feature set into a clear hierarchy

Best practices

• Ask up to five focused scoping questions about users, surfaces, constraints, existing structure, and entities
• Choose a single organizing principle (task, object, lifecycle, audience, or frequency) and stick to it at each level
• Keep top-level navigation small and stable; prefer fewer, clearer choices
• Use progressive disclosure—reveal complexity only when relevant
• Match labels to user language, not internal org terms
• Validate with tree tests or quick card sorts before finalizing

Example use cases

• Redesigning a SaaS product with overlapping features into a clear product map and navigation spec
• Structuring a documentation site so users find setup guides, API references, and tutorials quickly
• Designing role-based dashboards where permissions change available actions and entry points
• Defining taxonomy and facets for search-heavy applications to improve discoverability
• Creating a migration plan for consolidating legacy sections and setting deprecation rules