IA, Flows
and Prototyping

Purpose: structure content and features so people find things fast

What we do: content inventory, grouping, and naming that matches user language

Methods: card sorting and tree testing to validate structure

Deliverables: IA diagram, sitemap, content model, and naming rules

Typical scope: one to two weeks for small to mid products

Success signals: higher find success, shorter task time, fewer help requests

Purpose: create clear menus, labels, and filters across devices

What we do: define menu levels, breadcrumbs, search facets, and tags

Methods: card sort, tree test, and search log review

Deliverables: navigation model, menu spec, taxonomy guide, and tagging rules

Typical scope: one to two weeks including a quick test

Success signals: higher menu success rate, faster navigation, better search find rate

Purpose: map the shortest path to value for key tasks

What we do: define entry points, states, edge cases, and permissions

Methods: flow diagrams, state charts, and service blueprints for handoffs

Deliverables: flow maps with ids, state logic spec, and rules for empty error and loading states

Typical scope: about one week per major flow with reviews

Success signals: fewer wrong turns, faster completion, and clearer requirements for engineering

Purpose: test ideas early and align the team before full UI build

What we do: low fidelity and mid fidelity wireframes, interactive prototypes, and realistic copy

Methods: hallway tests, five user sessions, and AB tests when useful

Deliverables: clickable prototype, test notes, prioritized changes, and a handoff brief

Typical scope: one to two sprints depending on scope

Success signals: agreement on scope, fewer changes during build, higher task success in tests