Framing the Practice of Information Architecture Putting an iceberg to good use
September 18, 2011
Article Overview In this UX Matters article, Nathaniel Davis, founder and curator of DSIA Portal of Information Architecture, explores an iceberg metaphor to frame what he concludes to be the primary interests that shape the practice of information architecture.
While Davis admits the field of information architecture has many unanswered questions, he assures readers that there is no confusion about what the interests of a practice of information architecture must be.
Davis' "contemporary" version, of the information architecture iceberg—originally conceptualized by Peter Morville and Lou Rosenfeld—exposes readers to a reliable baseline for framing and implementing site and enterprise information architecture.
The article covers a number of related ideas that set the stage for meeting the column's intention: to help user experience designers and other practitioners navigate information architecture as a practice.
Highlights from the article:
Reviews six primary interests that frame an effective information architecture practice
Suggests ideal questions for probing the interest of an IA project and practice
Management, strategy and research are where information architecture runs "deep"
Recommends IA practitioners brace for managing complex domains of information over time
DSIA Research Initiative is a private think tank dedicated to advancing a formalized discipline of information architecture based on IA theory, research and practice. DSIA Research Initiative makes a large part of its knowledge available through the DSIA Portal of IA as a way to improve awareness of information architecture. The Initiative is also committed to facilitating a collaborative bridge between the professional field of information architecture and academic institutions as a way to offer students a solid perspective of information architecture and its relationship to user experience design.
About Methodbrain
Methodbrain is a private practice that specializes in information architecture research and strategy.
Methodbrain established and currently curates the DSIA Research Initiative as a way to foster a formal dialogue around information architecture.
