ACME Intranet Information Architecture

Transformation from Complex Hierarchy to User-Centered Structure

Homepage
ACME Intranet Home
Level 2 - Main Sections (Org Structure Based)
About Us
Departments
Resources
Policies
News & Events
Employee Services
Level 3 - Sub-sections (Deep Hierarchy)
Company History
IT Department
Sales Department
HR Department
Document Library
Training Materials
HR Policies
IT Policies
Company Announcements
Benefits Portal
Level 4 - Detailed Content (Lost Navigation)
Team Members
Projects
Contact Info
Forms
Guides
Procedures
Templates
Archived Docs
Level 5 - Individual Items (User Frustration Peak)
Specific Documents, Forms, Individual Policies...
4-5
Levels Deep
High
Cognitive Load
Low
Findability
Old IA Problems:
Org-based structure, not task-based
Deep hierarchy (4-5 clicks to content)
Redundant navigation paths
Unclear categorization
Personalized Homepage (Dashboard)
ACME Intranet Home
+ Quick Access + Personalized Feed + Search
Level 2 - Task-Based Primary Navigation
My Work
People & Teams
Resources & Tools
Company News
Get Help
Level 3 - Contextual Content (Max 2-3 Clicks)
My Tasks
Time & Attendance
Employee Directory
Department Pages
Policies Hub
Forms Library
Learning Center
Announcements
Employee Stories
IT Support
HR Services
2-3
Levels Deep
40%
Faster Tasks
High
Findability

IA Transformation Principles

  • Flattened Hierarchy: Reduced navigation depth from 4-5 levels to maximum 3 levels
  • Task-Based Organization: Structured around "what employees need to do" not "how the org is organized"
  • Personalized Dashboard: Quick access to frequently used tools and role-specific content
  • Enhanced Search: Unified search with filtering, suggestions, and categorized results
  • Clear Wayfinding: Breadcrumbs, contextual navigation, and consistent global menu
  • Progressive Disclosure: Show overview first, details on demand
  • Content Prioritization: Most accessed content prominently displayed
  • Cross-Linking: Related content connections to reduce redundant navigation
New IA Features:
Personalized Homepage
Task-Based Navigation
Contextual Content