How can you ensure the IA of your application is consistent with a design system?

1 Understand your users and their needs

Before you design the IA of your application, you need to understand who your users are, what they want to do, and how they think. You can use various methods, such as user research, personas, scenarios, and user journeys, to gather insights about your users and their needs. These insights will help you define the scope, structure, and navigation of your application, as well as the appropriate components and patterns to use from your design system.

2 Define your IA principles and standards

To ensure the IA of your application is consistent with your design system, you need to define some IA principles and standards that guide your design decisions. These principles and standards should reflect the goals and values of your application, as well as the expectations and preferences of your users. For example, you can define how to use labels, headings, categories, menus, breadcrumbs, filters, search, and other IA elements in your application, and how they relate to the components and patterns in your design system.

3 Use a common language and terminology

One of the key aspects of IA is the language and terminology you use to communicate with your users. You need to use a common language and terminology that is clear, consistent, and meaningful for your users and your application. You also need to align your language and terminology with your design system, and avoid using different words or phrases for the same concept or action. For example, if your design system uses the term "button" for a clickable element, you should not use "link" or "icon" in your IA.

4 Test and validate your IA with your users

The best way to ensure the IA of your application is consistent with your design system and meets the needs of your users is to test and validate it with your users. You can use various techniques, such as card sorting, tree testing, usability testing, and feedback surveys, to evaluate how your users interact with your IA and your design system, and identify any issues or gaps. You can then use the results of your testing to refine and improve your IA and your design system.

5 Document and communicate your IA and design system

Finally, you need to document and communicate your IA and your design system to ensure they are understood and followed by everyone involved in your application. You can use tools, such as sitemaps, wireframes, prototypes, style guides, and pattern libraries, to document your IA and your design system, and explain how they work together. You can also use channels, such as meetings, workshops, newsletters, and blogs, to communicate your IA and your design system to your team, stakeholders, and users.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?