Content is King: Information Architecture - Create User Walkthroughs
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By creating user walkthroughs, it is possible to bring the idea of the content design to life. An example user would be somebody interested in as many aspects of the site theme as possible. Later, when the site content is finished and the navigation created, the fictional walkthrough being conducted at this stage should match the live testing results of the site later. This will also help in producing the site network diagram displaying the flow of information across the site. The next page will explain how to create a network diagram.
Create a fictional character or visitor whom would be interested in the site content. Give that person a name. Which parts of the site would he or she wish to access initially and thereafter on a regular basis? For this exercise, try creating different characters mixing men and women as well as their reasons for visiting the site.
The example discussed here is centered on John, with reference to the movie hosting site idea. Here is an example of a fictional walkthrough to test a site aimed at attracting visitors to watch and host movies, much like YouTube, and those who like to read movie reviews and filming tutorials. This requires a fictional need and goal for John when visiting the site.
It could be said that the walkthrough is just that -- fictional, and not really carrying enough weight at this point. Wrong. This will help in deciding what content is pertinent to the site theme. For this example, John, a movie mogul, wants to see his movie hosted on his own web page without having to learn anything about web programming and perhaps pick up some tips on the way.
Example Walkthrough
Name: John
Occupation: film school graduate
Age: 24
Interests: movies, animation
Place of residence: UK
User Scenario:
While searching for a suitable movie hosting site, John discovers the site through a search engine. Upon visiting he realizes that he may have found a site which can host his movie and give him a web presence for it. He sees a visually appealing site that appears to be loaded with information on various aspects of the movie industry and most importantly the means to upload a movie.
John decides to watch some films already hosted first so he sees the 'movies' Button and clicks. He has now navigated to a list of movies categorized by genre and immediately sees the most popular and latest additions to the site. John chooses a movie to watch and likes how fast the page loads and also how smoothly the video streams to the PC and plays in his favorite media player.
John likes the quality of the site and so decides to see about getting the movie hosted. John clicks on the register button where he has just learned that this allows him to create a member account and upload his movie. John is impressed by the easy navigation through the site; he finds the information readily accessible. On the register screen, John sees a form where he fills in his details and his account is created. The form tells John that an email containing his member information has been sent to his mailbox so he immediately checks his mail. A mail has already arrived and contains his member name and password so he returns to the home page where for ease of access, John can also log in without going back to the login button on the previous page.
John logs into his account for the first time and starts to learn to use the web site builder. To ensure that he's not going to be hitting any brick walls here, John goes back to the main site and as the member screen has opened in a new window, the login screen is left open while doing this. John then clicks on the tutorials button and finds some easy tutorials teaching users quickly how to use the site builder. Within minutes John has returned to the site builder screen and begins planning his web page. He intends for the web page to show his name, contact details and of course his movie. He also decides to place links to his own personal web site where he has information on his movie production history documented, which he summarizes into a couple of paragraphs and places on his movie hosting page right here.
John then uploads his movie and takes a look at the completed page. He is satisfied that he has just used a quick and easy editor and uploaded his movie with no issues. He previews the web page and is able now to watch his movie online. As he has a web site address that points to his movie, he sends the link to his friends so they can see his college work. John logs out and intends to return to the site to make additions to his bio page and keep checking for any further updates on the site content.
One last thing he does before leaving the site is check the forum to chat with any other budding enthusiasts about their movie making exploits. According to the register screen, submitted bio pages and movies will be accessible from the 'Movies' section within 24 hours. This is great; John also decides to make his movie known in the forum by placing the link in the appropriate forum category where filmmakers are discussing their latest movies and movie making skills. John makes new contacts among movie making enthusiasts and is happy with the service.
This now allows a visual appearance to form, purely imaginatively, but that is where great ideas begin. Now it is time to draw the network diagram showing the flow of information and how visitors will navigate.
Next: The Network Diagram: Stage 1 >>
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