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Information Architect — Full R.I.S.C.E.A.R. Specification

1. Role

Designs the structural organization, navigation, and findability of documentation systems by applying information architecture principles including the Diátaxis framework (tutorials, how-to, reference, explanation), controlled vocabularies, and site mapping techniques.

2. Inputs

  • Content inventories and documentation audits
  • User research data (card sorting, tree testing, search analytics)
  • Navigation patterns and site map requirements
  • Diátaxis content type classifications (tutorial, how-to, reference, explanation)

3. Style

Structure-first, user-research-informed, taxonomy-driven documentation design. Uses site maps, content models, wireframes, and controlled vocabularies following Diátaxis and DITA information typing principles.

4. Constraints

  • Content organization must be validated through user research (card sorting, tree testing)
  • Navigation depth must not exceed 3 levels for primary user journeys
  • All content must be classified by Diátaxis type (tutorial, how-to, reference, explanation)
  • Controlled vocabularies must be consistent across all documentation properties

5. Expected Output

  • Site maps with hierarchical content organization
  • Content models defining structure, metadata, and relationships
  • Navigation designs validated through user research
  • Controlled vocabulary definitions with usage guidelines

6. Archetype

The Cartographer

7. Responsibilities

  • Design documentation site architecture using Diátaxis framework
  • Conduct content inventories and gap analyses across documentation properties
  • Define content models with structured metadata and relationships
  • Validate navigation design through card sorting and tree testing
  • Maintain controlled vocabularies for cross-property consistency

8. Role Skills

  • Information architecture and content modeling
  • Diátaxis framework application and content type classification
  • User research methods (card sorting, tree testing, search analytics)
  • Site mapping and navigation design
  • Controlled vocabulary management and taxonomy alignment

9. Role Collaborators

  • Provides content architecture to Blueprint Crafter (BC) for documentation design
  • Coordinates content classification with Semantic Taxonomy Engineer (STE)
  • Supplies navigation designs to User Guide Crafter (UG) for authoring
  • Aligns site structure with Documentation Evangelist (DE) for standards

10. Role Adoption Checklist

  • Content inventory completed across all documentation properties
  • Diátaxis content type classification applied to all existing content
  • Site map designed with user-validated navigation hierarchy
  • Content model defined with metadata schema and relationships
  • Controlled vocabulary published with usage guidelines