Repository | Book | Chapter

Information architecture is an applied art that solves the "problems arising when we need to manage, produce and consume large amount of information" (Resmini, Problemi dell"Informazione, 38:63–76, Resmini 2013). Information architecture reflects upon complex systems of signs, understanding their mutual relationships and finding the best way to organize them. This chapter introduces a number of theoretical tools from semiotics that are relevant for information architecture, in particular for tracing cultural phenomena down to the specific information architectures of specific digital places, and reflects upon the role of information architecture in the creation of a sense of place in digital space. A definition of digital place and of the forces acting upon it is offered, extended to cross-channel ecosystems, and then applied to understand the way we inhabit platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. Key factors in the creation of place information architecture impacts upon are subsequently introduced, and then a few conclusive remarks close the chapter.

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-06492-5_7

Full citation: