IA: The State of the Profession
Andrew Dillon's got another great column on IA in the latest ASIS Bulletin, and I finally found it online... among other things he points out that the market downturn may result in job seekers having to *actually know something about IA* to get a job as an IA (woo hoo!). He also points out a bunch of universities are hopping on the IA bandwagon by putting out courses that are basically repackaged old courses "selling old wine in new bottles." He doesn't name names, but buyer beware...
But the part that gets me excited is the promise of the new summit:
"Furthermore, plans for holding an IA Summit in 2002 are underway, and I shall take this opportunity to let you know that I shall serve as chair of the program committee. If you have ideas for contributions and themes, feel free to contact me."
My request? Quit defining, start refining. I'd like to see an in-depth look at some of the points Lou raised in Bloug, as well as *heaps* of case studies on how IA's are solving problems and saving/making their companies gobs of dough.
I think we are officially in the summer doldrums. almost all my newsletters are pointing to Noel's write up of Tufte and
almost all the blogs are pointing this new york times article
and both are terrific, no doubt. But so many pointers suggests a certain hunger for new ideas.... perhaps all us linkers deep to take a deep breath and write up some of our ideas...
then we can all link to each other!
sigh.
"The DMI Journal is devoted to articles and case studies exploring how design – in products, communication, and environments – is an essential resource, a component of every organization that can be effectively managed to make important contributions to the bottom line and to long-term success."
Chad's collecting interface guildlines. Some of his discoveries
I feel extremely happy to see the term "information architecture" used in a publication aimed most at marketeers.
Broken Links and Poor Information Architecture Design
Inside the Revolution: Smart Mover, Dumb Mover (Fortune) -- "Think the first-mover advantage is a myth? You're wrong: Most pioneering dot-coms failed not because they were first but because they were dumb."
via webword.com
art-models demostrating a cut-rate kama sutra.
D'oh and the Deity: `The Simpsons'
The family religion: "You know, the one with all the well-meaning rules that don't work in real life. Uh, Christianity."
Every IA and most designers should have this book, in my opinion. If you still don't have it and you live in the bay area, swing by Green Apple books-- they've got two copies used and thus quite a bit cheaper. However, you will have to look in the architecture section, up on the third floor. Apparently Green Apple does judge a book by its cover.