Information architecture for the Genisys website was developed using both top down (business) and bottom up (end user) perspectives. By combining and satisfying the needs and wants of each perspective as much as possible, a well rounded, organized website navigation was created.
Below is a list of topics and questions used as the top down perspective for the Genisys information architecture. Information from the existing Genisys website and an analysis of two similar industry specific websites were used. The positives and negatives of the websites’ existing information architecture were considered in formulating the top down perspective.
Below is a list of topics and questions used as the bottom up perspective for the Genisys information architecture. A customer/user role was taken on to formulate this list of topics and questions. In assuming such role the following scenarios were taken into consideration.
Scenario 1: As a small business owner, I am in need of a company to help maintain my office equipment. I not only need a source for hardware, but also need help with regular maintenance on specific equipment.
Scenario 2: I have purchased some new equipment from Genisys. I need to buy a few more pieces and track my previous order.
Scenario 3: I need a very specific piece of hardware for a computer, I searched the web and ended up on the Genisys website.
Bringing together both top down and bottom up perspectives, affinity diagramming was used to develop a well rounded structure for the website. A sitemap was developed and topics from the affinity diagramming exercise were simplified and further grouped to form navigation items.
To build upon the site structure, a user interaction flow was formed demonstrating how a user would locate and purchase a product. Using the proposed site organization certain pages were combined and/or simplified to keep the user path clear and concice.
Wireframes for desktop and mobile views with custom layouts were created for the home and gateway pages of the site.
Once wireframe layouts were approved, visual design prototypes were created keeping with Genisys' brand identity and minimalistic asthetic. Once approved the visual mock ups were integrated into a custom Wordpress theme.
I am a user experience designer with a passion for creating technical solutions that are as useful as they are beautiful. It is my belief that the ideal customer experience is the most important and valuable factor in cultivating sustainable success in any industry.
