6 new information architecture trends for better UX design in 2025

Information architecture trends 2025

1. AI-powered information architecture

Are you surprised we started with AI?

Don’t be, it’s a global phenomenon for a reason.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are rapidly transforming how information is organized. AI isn’t just some far-off concept; it’s becoming an essential tool for IA professionals.

The thing is, AI requires well-organized information architecture, as structured content is essential for generating accurate and meaningful insights.

As AI matures, and we’re very much still in the early days, these systems will get even better at learning from data, identifying patterns and generating insights and recommendations.

This is remarkable considering they’re already pretty amazing at these things.
Here’s what to expect:

• Personalization and prediction: AI enables personalized experiences through recommendation engines and tailored content delivery. Information architecture AI examples include how Netflix analyzes viewing history and user ratings to recommend shows or how Amazon personalizes product recommendations based on your shopping behavior.
  
• Practical applications: AI can automate many tasks such as content analysis for categorization, AI sitemap generation and even user flow optimization.
• AI-driven dynamic IA: As mentioned above, AI is capable of personalizing navigation, recommendations and search results based on user data and behavior. This means that a website might adapt its layout and content based on who’s using it, providing a unique experience tailored to each individual.
• The need for structured data: It’s important to realize that AI and machine learning rely on structured content and well-organized data to function effectively. More on that below.
• Ethical considerations: There are also ethical considerations to address when using AI in IA, including bias, privacy and the need for transparency. For example, AI systems can perpetuate biases if not carefully designed. This makes it important to have a focus on ethical design practices.

2. Zero UI: Voice and conversational interfaces

The rise of voice technology and non-screen interfaces is impossible to ignore.

Zero UI represents a significant shift in how users interact with technology, moving away from traditional screens-based user interfaces and towards more natural interactions. This concept involves using voice commands, gestures and sensory cues to interact with digital products, making technology more intuitive and seamless.

What started with "Hey Siri" and "Ok Google" has quickly evolved into full-blown conversations with ChatGPT.

Voice interfaces and conversational user interfaces (CUIs) are becoming increasingly important in our daily lives.

• Voice technology is the new normal: We’re seeing an acceleration of a trend toward "zero UI" where interfaces become almost imperceptible or completely non-existent. Consider how you can use voice commands to interact with devices and even your car.
• Practical applications : Voice interfaces are being used in smart speakers, chatbots and voice assistants. They allow users to interact with technology in a more natural and hands-free way, leaving them free to keep their attention on whatever they’re doing and not focusing on the tech.
• Adapting IA for voice: IA professionals need to adapt search systems to accommodate voice commands and other inputs. This requires a different approach to organizing and accessing information compared to traditional visual interfaces.
• Accessibility: Voice technology is crucial for accessibility and hands-free interaction. It enables users with certain disabilities to interact with technology in new and better ways.
• Conversational flow: Voice search is less about keywords and more about natural language. IA needs to anticipate how people speak and ask questions, not just what they type. Information architects therefore need to think about how to structure conversational flow, hierarchy and content for a seamless conversational user experience.

3. The Semantic Web and Linked Data: Smarter, more connected IA

Think of the Semantic Web like a well-organized recipe book. Instead of just randomly listing ingredients, it categorizes them into clear sections—proteins, vegetables, spices—so that anyone (or any machine) can understand how they relate.

Linked Data is like adding QR codes to each ingredient, allowing you to scan and instantly see recipes that use it, suppliers who sell it or nutrition facts, creating an interconnected web of useful information.

Instead of just storing and displaying data, it connects the dots—giving meaning to relationships between pieces of content. Linked Data takes this a step further by making these connections between different sources, like a giant web of knowledge.

Taken together, they’re transforming IA by making information more structured, discoverable and interconnected across digital ecosystems, allowing people and machines to understand relationships between data, improving search, recommendations and automation.

Why this matters for IA:

• Iteroperability & open data: Standardized data models (RDF, OWL, JSON-LD) enable seamless information sharing across systems.
• Enhanced search & SEO: Search engines like Google use structured data to power rich search results and knowledge graphs.
• Personalized content experiences: By linking datasets, IA can support dynamic personalization, serving users more relevant content based on behavior and context.
• Ethical & privacy considerations: As linked data grows, balancing openness with data privacy and security will be a key challenge.

4. Augmented reality (AR) in IA

The hype about augmented reality isn’t nearly as high as it was a few years back with the metaverse and all that jazz. It’s nonetheless something we’ll continue to see more of, offering exciting new ways for users to interact with digital content.

• Spatial thinking: Designing for AR requires spatial thinking and prioritization of location-based data. The way we present information in a physical space is a crucial consideration when designing for AR.
• Practical applications: There are many practical applications of AR in areas like retail, education, and healthcare. For example, users can try on virtual clothing, explore historical events in an immersive way or even conduct virtual science experiments.
• Rethinking interaction: AR is changing how users interact with information in digital spaces and requires a rethinking of IA principles. This means that IA professionals need to consider the user’s physical environment when creating digital experiences.

5. Content-first information architecture

It’s crucial to prioritize content over form when developing an IA. In other words, you should structure your IA based on the content you have and the content your users need.

Honestly, content should always come before UX design so this is less one of the information architecture trends to look out for and more a best practices reminder ;)

• Content analysis techniques: Designing for AR requires spatial thinking and prioritization of location-based data. The way we present information in a physical space is a Content analysis techniques: Use content audits, a content inventory and models to analyze and organize your content effectively. This will also help to identify gaps and opportunities in your existing content.
• Consistency across platforms: Content should move seamlessly across different platforms and channels, maintaining a consistent brand and message.
• Voice and tone: The voice and tone of your content play a vital role in shaping user experiences. It is important that your content strategy serves the most important messages and user needs.
• Design systems and style guides: Use design systems and style guides to ensure consistency and quality across all touchpoints.

6. Accessibility and inclusivity

Inclusive and accessible design is becoming a fundamental principle of good information architecture. As it should, ensuring inclusive and accessible IA isn’t just a compliance thing but it’s also a commitment to providing equal access to information for all users.

By designing IA that considers the needs of all users, including those with disabilities, information architects can promote digital equality and enhance user experiences. It’s not just about making a website usable; it’s about ensuring that everyone can access and benefit from the information and services you provide.

Plus, poor information architecture can lead to user frustration, making navigation difficult and hindering the understanding of content. On the other hand, good IA can significantly improve user experience by facilitating faster access to information and reducing frustration.

• Accessibility guidelines: Adhere to accessibility guidelines by using clear headings, image alt text and logical content organization.
• Designing for diversity: Design for a broader user base including people with disabilities, ensuring that everyone can seamlessly engage with information.
• Inclusive IA strategies: Ensure that voice interfaces, AR and other technologies are designed with inclusivity in mind.
• Ethical user research: Consider the ethical implications of research activities and respect users’ rights and privacy.

Analytics tools can provide valuable insights into user struggles, helping information architects identify areas for improvement without the need for extensive user interviews. Understanding user needs is crucial for creating content structures that resonate with users’ goals and expectations, ultimately leading to more accessible and inclusive digital spaces.

Practical strategies for implementing information architecture UX trends 2025

Upping your information architecture game in 2025 doesn’t have to be a massive undertaking. Here are some straightforward steps you can take to implement effective IA:

• Start with research: As we just mentioned, research matters. Begin the IA process with user research to understand user needs and reconcile them with business goals. This is crucial for creating architecture that’s both user-friendly and aligned with what your business is trying to achieve.
• Develop a navigation system: Define the hierarchy of pages along with how and when to display them for a more seamless user experience. Navigation should be clear and intuitive, allowing users to easily move through your website or app. For more insights, explore different types of website structure to ensure your navigation aligns with your IA goals.
• Create clear labeling: Name your site sections, pages and headers so they’re easy for the user to understand. Labeling should be concise, accurate and consistent, extending to page metadata and things like alt text.
• Utilize the right tools: Use a tool like Sitemap Builder to define a visual hierarchy of information on your site and individual pages as well as the connections between them. Wireframes and wireflows are another great way to visualize the structure of your on-page IA and user flow before moving on to more detailed design work.
• Take an Agile approach: Use an iterative design methodology, regularly collecting user feedback to enhance the architecture. This allows for flexibility and continuous improvement.
• Measure IA effectiveness: Use metrics to measure usability, discoverability and overall success such as A/B testing and user analytics.

Revisiting 2024 information architecture trends and their evolution

Looking back tends to have a way of guiding us forward, providing insights into how past trends shape current IA practices and strategies.

Trends like voice-command designs, optimized discovery patterns and augmented reality have significantly impacted information architecture, driving innovation and improving user experiences.

Embracing these trends is essential for businesses to serve users better, stay competitive, and adapt to the latest technological advancements.

• Remote collaboration on IA: While the flow of people seems to be back towards the office, collaborative software for UI/UX design, including tools for content management, navigation systems and, of course, information architecture is staying put. This allows teams to work across different time zones and locations, improving usability and team skills while keeping costs down.
• AI-optimized IA: AI has caught fire recently but we pegged it as an IA trend a couple of years back. Artificial intelligence and machine learning rely on well-structured data, that’s the long and short of it. You’ll continue to see this one year after year.
• Metaverse organization and navigation: This was a flash in the pan in terms of mass adoption in recent years, but that doesn’t mean we’re not heading towards a more immersive internet that will require information architecture to adapt. IA may not require spatial thinking or location-based data today but keep it in mind.
• Zero UI: We’ve seen this one evolve in a big way. The move towards more natural ways of interacting with technology, without the barrier of a screen, is growing. This includes using voice commands and other inputs such as movements, gestures and glances. Information architecture will need to adapt search systems to handle these new inputs.

Keep up with information architecture trends and prosper

The digital world isn’t going to stop iterating and evolving anytime soon, which means keeping information structured and finely organized isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s a must. The future of IA is about adapting to new technologies and ensuring easy access for all. It’s not just a design tool but a dynamic force that actively shapes user experiences. Information architects therefore have to embrace change, innovate their practices and strive to create user-centered digital landscapes.

Frequently asked questions