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Complexity and the practice of web information architecture

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  • Sally Burford

Abstract

This article describes the outcomes of research that examined the practice of web information architecture (IA) in large organizations. Using a grounded theory approach, seven large organizations were investigated and the data were analyzed for emerging themes and concepts. The research finds that the practice of web IA is characterized by unpredictability, multiple perspectives, and a need for responsiveness, agility, and negotiation. This article claims that web IA occurs in a complex environment and has emergent, self‐organizing properties. There is value in examining the practice as a complex adaptive system. Using this metaphor, a pre‐determined, structured methodology that delivers a documented, enduring, information design for the web is found inadequate – dominant and traditional thinking and practice in the organization of information are challenged.

Suggested Citation

  • Sally Burford, 2011. "Complexity and the practice of web information architecture," Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology, Association for Information Science & Technology, vol. 62(10), pages 2024-2037, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:jamist:v:62:y:2011:i:10:p:2024-2037
    DOI: 10.1002/asi.21582
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gerring, John, 2004. "What Is a Case Study and What Is It Good for?," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 98(2), pages 341-354, May.
    2. Philip Anderson & Alan Meyer & Kathleen Eisenhardt & Kathleen Carley & Andrew Pettigrew, 1999. "Introduction to the Special Issue: Applications of Complexity Theory to Organization Science," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 10(3), pages 233-236, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ruzza, Mirko & Tiozzo, Barbara & Mantovani, Claudio & D’Este, Fabiano & Ravarotto, Licia, 2017. "Designing the information architecture of a complex website: A strategy based on news content and faceted classification," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 37(3), pages 166-176.
    2. Mauricio B. Almeida & Eduardo R. Felipe & Renata Barcelos, 2020. "Toward a document‐centered ontological theory for information architecture in corporations," Journal of the Association for Information Science & Technology, Association for Information Science & Technology, vol. 71(11), pages 1308-1326, November.

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