Shifting from a web of pages to a web of data is essential for effective communication and information architecture.
Structured content approaches that clarify semantics and relationships are necessary for meaningful connections and flexible delivery of information.
Deep dives
Moving beyond the page as a metaphor for information delivery
Andy Fitzgerald discusses the need to shift from viewing information as delivered through pages to adopting more flexible content structures. The metaphor of pages has been useful in navigating the vast amount of information available to us, but it can also limit our ability to effectively communicate and connect information. Fitzgerald emphasizes the importance of understanding the shift from a web of pages to a web of data and how it impacts information architecture.
The role of language and communication in information architecture
Andy Fitzgerald reflects on his background in language and literature, highlighting the ways in which language structures our thoughts and influences our communication. He discusses the challenges of effectively structuring and communicating complex ideas and concepts in a world of content and data. Fitzgerald explores the role of language in creating meaningful connections between pieces of content and the need for structured content approaches that clarify the underlying semantics and relationships.
The limitations of relying on pages for structuring content
Fitzgerald highlights the limitations of using pages as the primary organizing structure for content. He notes how the layout and design of pages often rely on visual cues to communicate information relationships, making it challenging for machines and algorithms to understand content beyond the visual presentation. He emphasizes the importance of moving towards structured content that separates the presentation from the underlying meaning, enabling more flexible and contextually appropriate delivery of information.
The challenges of automating language understanding with machine learning
While machine learning and natural language processing show potential for automating some aspects of language understanding, Fitzgerald argues that language is too complex and context-dependent for complete automation. He discusses the challenges of extracting meaning from language, exemplifying the complexities and ambiguities that machines struggle to grasp. Fitzgerald emphasizes the ongoing need for human expertise in structuring and communicating content to ensure that information is intelligible to both humans and machines.
Andy Fitzgerald is an information architecture and content strategy consultant. He works with mission-driven organizations to produce systems that communicate clearly, align business and user goals, and scale effectively. Our conversation today focuses on moving beyond the page as a metaphor for how information is delivered toward more flexible content structures.
