What is Information Architecture? One of the best definitions we have found is:

"Information Architecture (IA) is the process of organizing and presenting data to the user in a meaningful, clear and intuitive manner. IA is the foundation of all great websites. All other design aspects - form, function, metaphor, navigation, interface, interaction, visual, and information systems - build upon the groundwork of information architecture. Initiating the IA process is the first thing you should do when designing a website." -Addwise

The first step in developing a website should be the construction of it's sitemap. Similar to a flow chart, a sitemap allows a high-level overview of all of the pages necessary to build the site, and a visual interpretation their relationships to oneanother.

Following the sitemap come wireframes. These drawings mark out on the page where each block of information will reside. The wireframe diagram also provides opportunities to determine linking between pages. Most critically, however, is the wireframe drawing's ability to point out potential problem areas concerning site logic and navigation. For any site that drills more than 2 levels deep, development of a set of wireframes is an essential step in the development process.