My approach involves understanding user needs, business goals, and technical constraints. I start by conducting user research and stakeholder interviews to identify key requirements. Then, I create sitemaps, wireframes, and taxonomies to structure the information logically. I prioritize usability and scalability, ensuring the system is intuitive and adaptable. Collaboration with UX designers, developers, and content strategists is crucial to align the architecture with the overall project vision. Regular testing and iteration help refine the structure to meet evolving needs.

I ensure alignment by conducting user research, such as interviews, surveys, and usability testing, to understand user behaviors and pain points. I create personas and user journeys to represent different user types and their goals. These insights guide the design of intuitive navigation, labeling, and content organization. I also validate the architecture through card sorting and tree testing to ensure it resonates with users. Continuous feedback loops and iterative improvements help maintain alignment as user needs evolve.

In a previous role, I redesigned the architecture for a large e-commerce platform with inconsistent navigation and poor search functionality. I conducted a content audit to identify redundancies and gaps. Collaborating with stakeholders, I restructured the taxonomy and introduced faceted search to improve findability. I also implemented a user-friendly navigation menu and optimized metadata for better search engine performance. Post-launch analytics showed a 30% increase in user engagement and a significant reduction in bounce rates, demonstrating the success of the redesign.

Balancing business goals and user needs requires a deep understanding of both. I start by aligning with stakeholders to define business objectives, such as increasing conversions or improving customer retention. Simultaneously, I gather user insights through research to identify pain points and preferences. I then design an architecture that supports business goals while prioritizing user experience, such as creating clear pathways to key actions or simplifying complex processes. Regular testing and feedback ensure the architecture meets both sets of needs effectively.

I use tools like Axure, Sketch, and Figma for wireframing and prototyping, and Miro or Lucidchart for sitemaps and flow diagrams. For research, I rely on tools like Optimal Workshop for card sorting and tree testing. Methodologies include user-centered design, content audits, and iterative testing. I document findings and decisions in collaborative platforms like Confluence to ensure transparency and alignment across teams. These tools and methodologies help me create clear, scalable, and user-focused information architectures.