Strategy: Top-Down Information Architecture
The top-down approach focuses on the context of the content and the user needs. It involves looking at the "big picture" of the site such as the breadth and depth of the site. It asks the question: knowing the needs and interests of the audience, how should information be organized, grouped, and presented?
When designing a hierarchy, you need to be certain that your categories are mutually exclusive. In some cases, you can use cross-listing but this requires lots of extra work and can be confusing. Also, consider the balance between breadth (the number of options at each level of the hierarchy) and depth (the number of levels in the hierarchy). It's important to recognize the danger in overloading the user with too many options. Group and structure information at the page level. In addition, be sure to subject your design to strenuous user testing.
The Blueprint
A blueprint for the site is developed that visualizes that scope of the website. Many developers use software such as Inspiration to create a visual diagram that represents the location of content objects. You can download a trial version of this software to use in planning.
Go to Inspiration. Download the trial version. Use it to design the structure of your website.
Another option is to try one of the online tools such as MyWebspiration or Bubbl.
Download the TLTC Planning Map (in PDF format). This document was used for planning a website. Notice the notes, possible filenames, and other planning information.