The difference between Information Architecture and User Experience

One of the primary questions that are asked in UX interview is ‘What is the difference between Information Architecture and User Experience?”. At first glance, this question seems to be confusing. Isn’t Information Architecture part of the User Experience? Technically that’s true, but if you’re asked the question during a UX interview, it’s important to know the distinction.

Here are the primary differences between Information Architecture and User Experience

• Information Architecture can exist with UX, but the other way is not possible. As mentioned before one of the core elements of the UX process is the IA chart. IA on the other hand can exist as an independent component.
• The whole purpose of IA is to structure complex information into a hierarchy that makes sense while in UX, a user’s perception about about utility, system efficiency and ease of use are primary factors.
• IA focuses on navigation while UX focuses on eliciting an emotional response in the target audience. UX also adds context and story to a user’s natural behavior.
• IA is designed to create a usable experience while UX focuses on adding pleasure to the usability.
• IA consists of page flows, wireframes and the sitemap while UX consists of components like interaction models and user journey maps.