Digital Information Architecture - Common Mistakes Quick Guide

Have you ever entered a website, clicked on three links and left irritated because you couldn't find the price? This is the fault of Information Architecture (AI).

AI is the skeleton of your website or app. If the skeleton is crooked, the body will not stand upright. Here's a quick guide to usability-killing errors and how to fix them in 5 minutes.

1. Vague Labels

Error: Using "Solutions" in the menu.
Why it's bad: "Solutions" can be anything. Software? Consultancy? Pool cleaning?
Correction: Be specific. "Management Software", "Financial Consulting".

2. Too many items on the menu

Error: Menu with 12 options in the top bar.
Why it's bad: Miller's Law. The human brain can only process about 7 items (+ or - 2) in short-term memory.
Fix: Group. Have a maximum of 5 to 7 main items. Use submenus.

3. Lack of "Breadcrumbs"

Error: The user enters an internal page via Google and does not know where they are or how to return to the previous category.
Fix: Add path at top: Home > Tênis > Corrida > Nike. This gives context and output.

4. Search that doesn't work

Error: The search bar does not accept synonyms or typing errors. The user types "Iphone" (without a capital P) and the site says "Not found."
Fix: Configure your internal search to accept variations and plurals. "Tennis" should find "Tennis".

5. “Click Here” Links

Error: "To view the report, click here".
Why it's bad: Bad for accessibility (screen readers read a list of "click here, click here") and bad for scannability.
Correction: "See 2024 annual report." The link must be the descriptive text itself.

Conclusion

Information Architecture is invisible until it goes wrong. Take the grandmother test: ask an elderly person to find information on your website. If it takes more than 1 minute, your architecture needs review.