Hi Baby! - Information Architecture

The Architecture Challenges

Through research, I identified three core structural frictions that made childcare information difficult to navigate.

Mapping the Relationships with Domain Model

To transform these insights into a cohesive system, I built a Domain Model that serves as the logical backbone of the entire platform. This wasn't just a chart; it was a map of how Babies, Parents, Health, and Safety interact in the real world.

Sitemap

The Card Sorting

I used Open Card Sorting with 5 participants to ensure my categories matched parental intuition. From the result, I found that although most of the terms were categorised as what was expected, there were still some problems, for example, the word “supplements” caused confusion for some participants because they didn’t know the exact meaning of it. Based on the feedback, I changed the term to “nutrition supplements” to further clarify the meaning.

The Tree Test Validation

After sitemap completion, I conducted a tree test with 5 participants to evaluate my hierarchical category structure. Around 80% of the results were correct, except for a question about looking for the information about fever. Some participants were unsure if it refers to a disease or symptom. Therefore, I refined my sitemap by adding a controlled vocabulary search feature as well as faceted navigation in the Discomforts & Illness section.

The interviews revealed that babies’ developments and their activities have a close connection. Therefore, I designed internal links between the two topics (See annotations 2 and 3) to make it more convenient to browse relevant information for potential users.

User Journey

Mapping the flow was a delicate balancing act. I wanted to give parents enough flexibility to explore, while providing the specificity needed when they are in a hurry.

I designed two primary entry points: Global Search for parents with a specific question in mind, and Themed Browsing for those looking for general inspiration. To make the experience feel interconnected, I linked "Developmental Milestones" directly to "Recommended Activities," ensuring that every piece of knowledge leads to a practical way to play.

After testing the first version with users, I realized that "variety" wasn't their main concern, relevance was. One user noted that they didn't want to know toddler activities when they had a 3-month-old.

The Solution: This insight led to a critical addition: the "My Baby" personalised path. By logging in, the system automatically filters content based on the baby’s specific age. This transformed the platform from a generic library into a tailored assistant that grows alongside the child.

Wireframes

Designing wireframes for such a broad domain required a careful balance between offering enough pathways and avoiding confusion. Breadcrumbs were implemented on every page as a permanent "way home," allowing users to reorient themselves instantly without having to rely on the "back" button.

Because of the characteristics of this domain, the information is broad and each topic varies significantly, even though they are all related to how to take care of babies. This makes it more difficult to create appropriate filters, faceted navigation, and search features on each page. Therefore, I tried to use different facets and controlled vocabulary filters to help users find information quickly.

Wireframe 1: Browsing Food Selection

For the food selection page, the challenge was the variety of data. I implemented faceted navigation that allows parents to filter by age, food type, and specific nutrients, turning it into a simple, searchable list.

Wireframe 2: Enhancing Communication Development

This page is the "knowledge hub" for a baby’s growing milestones. Unlike the food selection page, which requires complex filtering, developmental data is strictly chronological.

For the filters, I focused solely on the baby’s age as the primary facet. For a parent, the only question that matters here is: "What should my baby be doing at this exact month?" Removing unnecessary filters reduces cognitive load and keeps the focus on the content.

From knowledge to action: I realized that reading about a milestone often triggers a follow-up thought: "How can I help them reach it?" So I placed internal links of suggested toys and activities on the right side of the page, to help transform passive reading into active, purposeful bonding time.

Wireframe 3: Browsing Activities A-Z

I designed this faceted navigation to be the "brain" of the discovery experience. Real-world parenting is defined by immediate constraints—a rainy afternoon, a sleeping infant, or a sudden playdate. To address this, I moved beyond simple categories and built a system that filters by the baby’s specific age (0-24 months), the desired developmental focus (such as Communication or Physical skills), and—most importantly—the setting.

By including specific facets for Indoor and Outdoor locations—ranging from quiet libraries to local parks—and participant counts, I ensured that the search results are always actionable.

During usability testing, I noticed that users sometimes felt "trapped" after applying too many filters. So I desinged a "Clear All Filters" button to help parents reset and explore new possibilities seamlessly. To add a layer of social proof, I also included a sorting feature for "Most Liked" activities, helping new parents feel more confident in their choices through the shared wisdom of the community.

Wireframe 4: Activities Profile: Storytelling

I designed the Activity Profile to be not only a set of instructions, but also a bridge between play and purpose. By integrating a Developmental Sidebar on the right, I connected the "How-to" of storytelling directly to the "Why" of a baby’s growth, helping parents understand the specific communication skills they are nurturing in the moment.

Evaluation and Reflection

To validate the architecture, I observed three potential users as they navigated the system. While the primary user journeys were completed smoothly, the "friction points" I observed provided the most significant insights for the final iteration.

Balance Efficiency and Discovery

While the faceted navigation was effective for browsing, users often wanted a "shortcut" when they had a specific goal, such as finding foods high in Vitamin C. This led to the integration of a controlled vocabulary search on the selection pages. It ensures that the system serves both the "discoverer" (browsing) and the "seeker" (typing).

Reset the search

During the evaluation, one participant wanted to browse all baby activities but didn’t know how to get there. By adding a “clear-all-filters” button in faceted navigation, users could have a more controlled journey.

The Community over the Information

The most interesting finding was that new parents don't just want to consume knowledge, they also have a powerful desire to share it. This realisation transformed my vision for the project’s future.