IDEA - preconference workshop 06 Oct 08

Alice Toth, Monday, October 6, 2008 @ 10:44 pm

The IDEA conference is being held in Chicago this year, and once again MAYA Design hosted the preconference workshop on Information Architecture. Some thoughts from the morning’s discussions.

• Why diagram? We diagram in order to depict the information space in such a manner that allows us to visually validate to the client that we understand their domain. So often as consultants, we’re thrown in to domains where we have no or very little prior knowledge and minimal time to come up to speed at the level we need to be at in order to understand the context of the problem. Diagrams are one artifact that we use to organize the information space and document the users’ mental model. They are an essential element in verifying that your direction and understanding are correct.
• Future proofing. Don’t just design for the here and now; don’t design a solution that locks you into one way of thinking; don’t create a solution that can easily be broken by another idea. As solution designers, we need to look at the larger picture and how the various pieces can fit into the whole, rather than at just one feature or one path. We need to allow for evolution so the solution can accommodate growth and expansion without extensive redesign. All of these are concepts we’ve heard before; but it's already good to get the reminder and hear them again.
• UCD - user centered design focuses specifically on making systems usable to people. It tames complexity. Having the user integrated into the design process brings a focus around which you can organize the solution and design a usable interface. The direct benefits are increased productivity, reduction in support costs, improved user satisfaction, etc. The usual suspects, but nonetheless important to bring up with your clients when you remind them why UCD is relevant.

For the remainder of the session, MAYA reviewed some diagrams they use in their IA practice, including some I hadn't seen before. I’ll have more on that later.

user experience design

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