Infotecture: Gauging Where Physical Architecture and Information Architecture Merge and Divide

Abstract

This thesis examined the problem of a lack of universal information architecture (IA) design standard in the realm of information technology (IT), resulting in over-diversity, bad IA, best practices disarray, and substantialized user disconnect. Literature-based research observed for potential, metaphorical arcade overlaps within IA, and physical architectural periscopes extending beyond the mere use of the word architecture. This architectural potential was given the makeshift term Infotecture: Both the element of potential and its potentiality to merge the two fields through intentional overlap and application. It was proposed and examined that if arcade periscopes, or metaphorical columns and arch constructs, as well as their supporting architectural design principles, align with the context of the word architecture within IA and its design languages then such a correlation should be considered in future dialogue and integration into best practices. It was concluded that infotecture proved inconclusive without further empirical data, but documented user-research eye tracking video data revealing uniform user responses to proposed cognitive arcades within a simulation as considered within the literature review. This proved reflected in universal broadening and narrowing visual query patterns in all participants when operating the architecturally influential driving simulation used in the user-research eye tracking investigation. The eye tracking data was further supported by insightful feedback from test participants when interviewed and debriefed after participation. The contributions to a solution to the problem were observational recommendations for future designers geared toward the identifying, consideration, and possible integration of the mental models, founding principles and structural aesthetics of Roman architect Vitruvius and others by future information architects into future IA and simulative designs.