The guiding principle of creating workable architecture for a site is to structure it around the point of view of the site visitor. Starting with the premise that the purpose of the site is to make it efficient and intuitive to use, all other factors will fall into place.
- Taxonomy, logic, and interaction with search engines
Something to keep in mind when thinking about Search Engine Optimization is that search engines main agenda is to deliver accurate search results. So the best way to best way to optimize a site is to fill it with valuable and relevant information. The only SEO “trick” that will never be made obsolete my a new search algorithm is that terminology often can benefit from adjustment after the review of search term popularity - access to information and the “user interface”
A some level each website functions as an interface that each visitor must use to access information. The clearer the path to that information is, the more successful the site will be. - Profiles and pathways
Different people will use a website in different ways, anticipating the orientation and desires of these various profiles will help inform the structure of the site to satisfy a variety of needs. - Menu structure
Navigation is key to any website, the more intuitive the navigation the more quickly a site visitor can locate the information they seek - Form follows function
All design should start with the premise that there is a problem to be solved or functionality to improve.