The Object-Oriented UX Podcast

059 - Making Sense of Language Messes with Abby Covert

Apr 26, 2024

Abby Covert, an information architect, discusses tech debt, the power of language, and diagramming. She emphasizes letting go of perfectionism, the complexity of words, and why diagramming is a high-order skill. The podcast delves into organizing messy systems, the importance of nouns in design, and simplifying user confusion in complex systems.

01:02:47

Creator website

Episode guests

Abby Covert

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Object-based understanding in system design prevents duplication and ensures clarity in communication.

Navigating organizational dynamics while addressing object-level issues is crucial for successful resolutions.

Examining relationships between objects enhances conceptual models and ensures consistency in system design.

Deep dives

The Importance of Object-Oriented Understanding in System Design

Understanding the significance of nouns and objects in a system design is crucial to prevent duplication and streamline communication. A video-based startup faced a language consistency challenge with 14 terms for video, highlighting the critical need for an object-based understanding to avoid confusion and ensure clarity throughout the organization.

Balancing Problem Identification and Fixing

01:20

Introduction

4min

Evolution of a Supportive Friendship in UX Design and Information Architecture

7min

Emphasizing the Importance of Nouns and Objects in Digital Product Design

5min

Navigating Organizational Dynamics in Object Labeling Discussions

4min

Navigating Job Responsibilities and Influence Through Servant Leadership

2min

Simplifying Complex Systems and User Confusion

9min

Creating Coherent Mental Models for Effective System Design

20min

Navigating Complex Relationships and Object Modeling

12min

Abby Covert is an information architect, writer and community organizer with two decades of experience helping people make sense of messes. She is the author of the 2014 book, How to Make Sense of Any Mess, "a book to teach IA to everybody," and more recently, Stuck, Diagrams Help, a book for teaching the art of diagramming. In this episode of the podcast, Sophia and Abby talk about letting go of perfectionism in dealing with tech debt, the power of language and why words are hard, plus why diagramming is a high order skill.

LINKS:

Connect with Abby on LinkedIn.

Keep up with Abby on her website.

Purchase Abby's book, How to Make Sense of Any Mess.

Purchase Abby's book, Stuck, Diagrams Help.

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