All FreePint Articles | Article Categories |

Web Analytics and Information Architecture [ABSTRACT]
Sunday, 30th November 2008

By Hallie Wilfert

Abstract:

Web analytics might be considered a web designer's best friend, because it provides a quick and quantifiable means of interpreting user behaviour. But too many Information Architects still need a reminder to 'think like a user'. Hallie Wilfert explains how to starting using web statistics data to inform information architecture and site design more effectively.

Article:

Web analytics might be considered a web designer's best friend, because it provides a quick and quantifiable means of interpreting user behaviour. But too many Information Architects still need a reminder to 'think like a user'. Hallie Wilfert explains how to starting using web statistics data to inform information architecture and site design more effectively.

What's Inside

Many designers balk at using web analytics because they are intimidated by the numbers and the potential complexity of the analysis. I will share a little secret with you - you do not need to be a statistician to use or interpret web analytics. What you do need to be is a good interpreter - something that most IAs already are, because what analytics tell you is the story of your web site over time.

---

This is a brief abstract of the full article. FUMSI subscribers can log in to MyShop at FreePint view the full article. Others can subscribe to FUMSI now for access to the complete archive of FUMSI articles.

By Hallie Wilfert

Hallie Wilfert is a Senior Information Architect at SRA International, a technology and strategic consulting firm in Arlington, VA, where she works mainly with government clients. Previously, Hallie worked as the Director of New Media at the Institute of Medicine of the U.S. National Academies. As an information architect, she is committed to advocating for the user while satisfying the needs of the client.

Hallie received her B.A. in American Studies, studying at the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Maryland, College Park. Hallie is a member of the Information Architecture Institute and the Usability Professionals Association (UPA). She has presented on integrating web analytics into user centred design at the 2008 Information Architecture Summit and the 2008 International UPA Conference.

More articles by Hallie Wilfert »