Information Architecture (IA) design challenges for the Arabic-speaking user

Abstract

Information architecture design [hereafter: IA] is one of the important elements of information systems development. Depending on the target audience and its conditions, this task may be more or less challenging. A particularly interesting group of recipients are Arabic speakers. According to the latest report by Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives and Bayt.com, 47 million new Internet users in the Middle East region are expected to arrive by 2021. Besides, the changes introduced by the authorities of the Middle East countries focus on the latest technologies enabling the management of the state via the Internet and specially designed mobile applications. We can also add to this the extremely high level of information provided by society’s writers, which drives the development of solutions using digital technologies. In the face of the following changes and the growing demand from Middle East user groups, information architects need to familiarize themselves with the IA design principles for the Arabic-speaking user for professional reasons. This is a new and promising niche for information architects which is worth a closer look.