Today we had a super duper workshop on Information Architecture by the Kate Rutter at UX Intensive San Francisco 2010. Her presentation structure was superb, it was started with a sad story of a Product Director & Marketing Person at a company, however in the end the journey of those peeps was ended pretty well. Why and How it ended well? That’s what we learn today.
Let me summarized their journey and what we learn in today’s Workshop that what is information architecture:
“Forming, Labeling & Structuring the information around of the concerned object (that appears to be problematic, and that object can be anything from door-knob to website to a simple Wall Clock) in a way that interaction toward it is appears so easy that the “unaware” user get acquainted in a first meeting of it. “
Information Architecture has four rules of thumb as discussed today by Kate in a very detail way and they are :
- Measure twice, cut once | (My thoughts: Think frugal, frugal in resources, in time, in money and in effort. Do the right thing, don’t try to be perfect)
- It is impossible to make an editor or librarian out of software. (My thoughts: Not everything is achievable via Software Solutions)
- First manage content, then personalize and extend. (My Thoughts: Don’t jump on the gun right away, step back, think through the content, with the right strategy for the right audience, and then worry about “personalization” and “extensions” on it)
- Do not fix what is not broken. (My thoughts: Don’t try to break right solution for introducing the new solution, if right is already alright then what the fuss?)
Okay fellas, I am off for bed now, tomorrow it going to be our last workshop on Interaction Design by one and only Andrew Crow.
Cheers