Healthcare IA Process
01

Discovery & Audit

We start by mapping your current content ecosystem. Every page, every template, every user flow. We analyze analytics, conduct stakeholder interviews, and identify redundancies. For a 2,500-page site, this typically takes 2-3 weeks.

  • Complete content inventory
  • Analytics deep-dive report
  • Stakeholder interview synthesis
  • Competitive landscape analysis
02

User Research

We define your core user groups through research, not assumptions. For healthcare, this usually means: patients seeking care, patients in active treatment, caregivers, referring physicians, and community/donors. We map their distinct needs and mental models.

  • User persona development
  • Journey mapping workshops
  • Card sorting studies
  • Task analysis & priority matrix
03

IA Design

This is where we build the ideal structure. We create multiple IA models, test them with real users, and iterate. The goal: reduce cognitive load, eliminate duplicate content, and create clear pathways for each user type. We design taxonomy, navigation, and search strategy in parallel.

  • Site structure diagrams
  • Navigation system design
  • URL taxonomy & redirects
  • Content templates & guidelines
04

Validation & Refinement

We test the new IA with real users through tree testing, first-click studies, and prototype walkthroughs. We refine based on data, not opinions. This phase ensures the architecture actually works before a single line of code is written.

  • Usability testing reports
  • IA validation metrics
  • Stakeholder presentation deck
  • Implementation roadmap

Our Core Principles

User-Centered, Always

Every IA decision is validated against real user needs. We don't design for stakeholders or search engines—we design for the person trying to find care at 2am.

Content is a Product

We treat content with the same rigor as product design. Every page must justify its existence. If it can't, it gets consolidated or cut.

Scalable Systems

Healthcare organizations grow and change. We build IA frameworks that accommodate new services, locations, and content types without breaking.

Data-Driven Decisions

We use analytics, search data, and user testing to guide every choice. Gut feelings have no place in IA work.

Typical Project Timeline

Project Timeline
Weeks 1-3
Discovery & Research
Weeks 4-6
IA Design & Iteration
Weeks 7-8
Testing & Validation
Week 9
Documentation & Handoff

Let's discuss your IA project

We'd love to hear about your current site challenges and user needs. Most discovery calls take 30-45 minutes.

Get in Touch