# IA + Comms

> Information architecture and communications resources for Microsoft 365 and SharePoint intranets. Covers IA planning, hub sites, taxonomy design, style guides, and UX references for comms teams.

Source: https://ali.id.au/platforms/m365-sharepoint/ia-comms/ (last edited 2026-10-12)

## Official resources

* [Microsoft Adoption Centre](https://adoption.microsoft.com/) comms resources to help communicate change.
* [Adoption Centre assets for *SharePoint* (Web Archive)](https://web.archive.org/web/20220801065213/https://adoption.microsoft.com/en-us/sharepoint/) Super useful stuff.
* [SharePoint Look Book](https://adoption.microsoft.com/sharepoint-look-book/) - ready-made site design examples
* [SharePoint: IA guidance](https://learn.microsoft.com/sharepoint/information-architecture-modern-experience) ([examples](https://learn.microsoft.com/sharepoint/information-architecture-models-examples))
* [SharePoint: IA examples](https://informationexp.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/SharePoint-Architecture-Deck-2.pdf)
* [SharePoint: AIIM guide for IM](https://info.aiim.org/aiim-blog/architecting-m365-for-enterprise-scale-information-management-a-guide-for-im-professionals)

## Key considerations

* [SP: Hub sites](https://learn.microsoft.com/sharepoint/planning-hub-sites), [site topology](https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/community/information-architecture-site-topology)
* [SP: Brand center](https://learn.microsoft.com/sharepoint/brand-center-overview)
* [SP: Taxonomy / term store](https://www.mrsharepoint.com/sharepoint-taxonomy-guide-how-to-configure-and-design/)

## Tools

* [Microsoft Clarity](https://clarity.microsoft.com) + [Clarity for SharePoint](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/clarity/third-party-integrations/sharepoint-integration)
* [UX tweak card sorting tool](https://www.uxtweak.com/card-sort-tool)

## Design + writing references

* [Design Systems Repo](https://designsystemsrepo.com/)
* [Strategyzer](https://www.strategyzer.com): [High impact tools for teams](https://www.strategyzer.com/library/high-impact-tools-for-teams)
* [Laws of UX](https://lawsofux.com/)
* [UI Patterns](https://ui-patterns.com/)
* [A List Apart](https://alistapart.com/topics) - [Everyday information architecture](https://alistapart.com/article/everyday-information-architecture/)
* [Smashing Magazine](https://www.smashingmagazine.com/)
* [Refactoring UI](https://refactoringui.com/)
* [GoodUI](https://goodui.org/)
* [Abby Covert](https://abbycovert.com/)
* [The Manual (old but timeless)](https://themanual.org/)
* Generic guidance for comms teams: [Web Style Guide](https://webstyleguide.com/), [Microsoft Writing Style Guide](https://learn.microsoft.com/style-guide/welcome/)
* Gov't style guides: [AU](https://www.stylemanual.gov.au/) (+ [ATSI](https://www.stylemanual.gov.au/accessible-and-inclusive-content/inclusive-language/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-peoples)), [CA](https://design.canada.ca/style-guide/), [UK](https://design-system.service.gov.uk/) (+ [Home office](https://design.homeoffice.gov.uk/)), [US](https://digital.gov/), [NZ](https://www.digital.govt.nz/standards-and-guidance/design-and-ux/content-design-guidance/content-design-tools-and-resources/style-guides-from-around-the-world/), [OECD](https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/publications/corrigenda/OECD-Style-Guide-Third-Edition.pdf), [EU](https://style-guide.europa.eu/), [global list](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_style_guides) -- check local!

---

See [Governance](/platforms/m365-sharepoint/governance/) for lifecycle and compliance, [UI design](/practices/building/ui-design/) for UX principles and design tools, and [communities](/platforms/m365-sharepoint/communities/) for blogs and feeds.