#ixd501iamap

[calumdixon]

Business Platform Information Architecture 

In addition to my Consumer platform, Pitch In also has a Business platform which makes it easy for local businesses on the platform to manage their presence on the platform. I split the business platform into three sections, the validate goods section which holds the QR code scanner that can be used to validate the collection of goods, the My Business section that allows for local business to manage their business details as well as change the goods and services they provide on the platform, lastly the app has a settings section that similar to the one found on the Consumer platform where a user can manage their individual details and settings.

[calumdixon]

Updates to Consumer Platform Information Architecture 

Since the beginning of the wire framing process the topic of Information architecture has been on my my mind quite a bit since the IA map of a product will inform much of the design. During the initial wireframing I noticed a point of inconsistency across IA Map. This was that while I used a separate section for displaying funded goods, redeemed goods were a held within the redeem goods section. The straighten out this inconsistency I adjusted my IA Map to included funded goods within the fund goods section of the app. This way there is an overall consistency in approach. 

My plan for displaying these views will be through a sub navigation in the form of tabs on the top of the screen. Using tabs is the best approach as by using these I can avoid navigation confusion. For instance if a user wants to redeem a good, they will enter the redeem goods section and from the beginning of this section they will also see a redeemed goods tab within the top screen tab navigation section. Meaning that they cannot redeem a good or service without having seen where the redeemed goods will be held after redemption. 

Since my previous IA map was based on details I had found from a card sort I decided to get in touch with those that had participated. Everyone who participated in the initial card sort had agreed that this approach made more sense. With this confirmation I felt confident to move forward with this new approach.

[calumdixon]

Consumer Platform Information Architecture

Using the information from my card sort I build out a navigation plan for my consumer app. From my card sort I received a good understanding of where consumers expect certain interactions between the product and user to take place. With that knowledge I build a navigation plan that reflected these expectations so as to avoid confusion with any users that will be using my product.

My plan now is to use the information architecture I’ve planned as an informative tool to help me sketch and wireframe my initial lo-fi prototype. This process will be much faster and easier now that I have a good idea of how the product is structured.