The distinction between information architecture (IA) and usability, Navigation may seem like semantics, but there are significant differences between the two disciplines.

Though they are often discussed interchangeably, and practitioners are often well-versed (well they should be) in both, information architecture and usability differ in their scope and areas of focus. It’s also important to understand how this helps when developing an online strategy before you start.

The difference between information architecture and usability is vital to understand, because, information architecture is more than just understanding what users want and need. A usability-only approach to IA is only one piece of the puzzle. Information architecture problems often account for a large percentage of usability problems, but there are many other things unrelated to IA that have an impact on usability.

Usability as a Subset of Information Architecture

In the absence of a usability specialist, those filling the information architect role are the next most likely to be user advocates for two reasons:

1. Designing for users is an inherent part of information architecture, and is not necessarily so for other roles on a web development team.
2. People don't understand the difference between information architecture and usability and assume they are the same.

Ideally, others on the team should be aware of usability issues and best practices, but this is not always the case. Strategists, Designers, Developers, and Project Managers frequently supplement their unique skills with a solid understanding of basic usability principles, but in most cases the information architect is still the one with the most experience and understanding of usability as it relates to web development. The Brief must be clear to deliver best delivery.

Usability is and always has been a vital part of web site information architecture.

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