User experience design (which incorporates IA and IxD) is a fundamental part of web design/web development, however often overlooked by traditional print designers and art directors. To create an effective website the principles and strategies of IA and IxD really need to be employed.

There seems to be some confusion about what these two roles are so we figures we would define and compare each of them here. IA’s and IxD’s and user experience professionals should all be living in the same space and their jobs really overlap, however some larger web site design requires some with special skills and know-how. If your saying “what the heck is he talking about, hold on… I’ll explain everything”

So what is IA

IA goes all into taxonomy design and database architecture. Changes occur when an IA adjusts categories and navigation structure. IA is about distributing content according their relevant category. Simplification of content and information it for website visitors to find what they are looking for more easily.

And what about IxD

IxD exists in the interaction experience itself, and is more likely to apply psychology and deeper cognitive principles to create a highly usable interface. They look at some of the same things IAs do (information flow, usability, etc.), but they’re the ultimate user experience – and so they excel at things like usability, content strategy, visual impact. 

Most UX professionals probably do both – among other things. So IxD deals a bit more with user experience, and IA is a fundamental part of this experience, let’s say the building blocks and IxD’s know what technology to use and where to render the best user experience, which is sort of the “magic” in a site that makes all the difference. but first you gotta start with good IA and killer web design!