Executive summary The principles of information architecture are normally associated with certain aspects within interactive systems. However, as a request for applying these principles in unfamiliar contextual settings have arisen, it has been necessary for information architects to adopt to this transition. This can be stated to be the primary aspect of pervasive information architecture, in which the designers creates new information spaces. This concept is a vital part of this project, focusing on how the addition of a new information space can be used to expand the scope of a business. Specifically, the creation of this information space will related to the principles of cross-channel, which emphasizes that the channels of a multi-channel business must apply and present the same content, design and opportunities for consumers. The principles of these aspects serves as a foundation for this thesis project, conducted in collaboration with a local retailer, offering female clothing and fashion. In order to design and develop a solution for this purpose, the existing conditions and strategy of the business have been established. This knowledge was obtained through a stakeholder interview, a technical assessment of the ecommerce software as well as a heuristic analysis of the web shop of the business. Upon establishing these conditions, the development of a solution, which can be perceived as an added information space, was initiated. Due to the findings while investigating the existing channels and services of the retailer, it was decided that the developed solution should take the form of a mobile application, thereby expanding the scope of the business to new contextual settings. While positively perceived aspects of the existing services and platforms of the retailer have been maintained in the solution, a series of additional design theories were applied in the development phase. This includes several fundamental IA principles, pervasive IA heuristics as well as a set of persuasive technology tools. The development of the solution followed the agile approach of Scrum, allowing for a sequential work process but also the opportunity for revising and redoing past work. This approach proved particularlyuseful for the development phase, as the solution was designed and presented in the form of several different prototypes, representing the envisioned application. An interactive high-fidelity prototype
was subsequently used for as a series of user tests, conducted in order to evaluate the overall usability of the envisioned product. As the testing users were all stated as potential users, their evaluation of the prototype were used to identify and eliminate confusing or too complex aspects of the developed design. Thus, the involved users were all contributing to the form and functionality of the solution.