Initial Research & Business Goals
We began by aligning our work with the site’s primary goals:
- Sell admission and launch tickets
- Promote group visits and camps
- Support educators and students
- Communicate event schedules and accessibility information
We also mapped out frequent user tasks such as:
- Buying tickets
- Planning a visit
- Viewing launch schedules
- Accessing group resources
- Finding accessibility support
Task & Content Analysis
Task Inventory
We identified 25+ tasks across four major user journeys. Each task was scored based on frequency and business importance.
Gap Analysis
Our analysis revealed critical missing pathways and content gaps:
- Support pages lacked direct links to launch info and group reservations
- Key content like maps, accessibility info, and operating hours was hidden multiple clicks deep
- High-value tasks like “see what’s included in a pass” had no dedicated landing page
Card Soriting & Abstract IA
We conducted both open and closed card sorting sessions (in-person and online) to uncover how users naturally group content. Key categories that emerged:
- Plan Your Visit
- Launches & Events
- Explore Attractions
- Groups & Education
- Accessibility & Support
We used these insights to create a high-level abstract IA, organizing the site around mental models and eliminating redundancy.
Tree Testing & Validation
Using Treejack, we tested our revised IA structure. Tasks included:
- "Find launch times"
- "Plan a group trip"
- "Locate operating hours"
Results:
- 88% success rate for high-priority tasks
- Reduced average click depth
- Higher confidence in category labels
- Positive feedback on clarity of sections like “Plan Your Visit” vs “Info”
Sitemap Redesign
We finalized a revised KSC sitemap, clearly separating user pathways into intuitive, goal-driven sections. The design made critical tasks like buying tickets, planning trips, and accessing educational resources available within 1–2 clicks.
Key IA Principles Applied
Hick's Law
Simplified choice architecture, reducing top nav from 9+ items to 5 core categories with visual hierarchy.
Accessibility & Usability
Improved labeling, grouped related pages, and prioritized mobile-first navigation strategies. Addressed accessibility issues with clearer pathways to FAQs, support pages, and assistive features.
Final Takeaways
This project offered hands-on experience in conducting a complete content strategy audit from a user-first perspective. I strengthened my skills in:
- Translating research into visual storytelling (infographics, journey map)
- Conduct tree tests and card sorts to validate real-world behavior
- Align IA with both business priorities and accessibility goals
- Use mapping tools and feedback loops to refine navigation strategies
This work deepened my understanding of how information architecture supports not just usability—but strategic storytelling, inclusion, and trust.