What is UI Structure?
The aggregate of all underpinning conceptual relationships of a user interface defines its structure. [1] UI structure is created when the aggregate of concepts and content is systematically managed to provide a sound reference architecture for UI design, conceptual data models, and technical functionality. [2]
UI Structure Contributes to Alignment
UI structure is rooted in information architecture theory and science. It is associated with the following DSIA-based concept, which describes an information architecture (work product) as:
- The assumptions and governing constructs for assigning properties and attributes to information and the endowment and evolution of information relationships over time within a given domain.
- A governing model for information behavior within a digitally mediated environment.
- The governing framework for content behavior.
Before a structure can be systematized, it must be designed. This is often expressed as an information model. The structural design for a user interface or other shared information environment often includes the consideration of systems for navigation, labeling, search, organization, and semantics. The following is a list of example conceptual models used in the design of UI structures.
- Business & Organizational Models
- Content Models
- Controlled Vocabularies
- Flow Models
- Object Models
- Ontologies
- User Models
- Site Maps
- Taxonomies
- Wireframes