Abby Covert: Democratizing Information Architecture
Aug 30, 2023
auto_awesome
Abby Covert discusses the changing role of information architecture and the democratization of the craft. They emphasize the importance of education and awareness in advancing the field. The impact of incentives on information architects' work is explored, highlighting the misalignments between design and product teams. They discuss the importance of metadata and the frustration with product designers who don't understand its potential. The development of a comprehensive teacher's guide for an information architecture book is also discussed.
The evolution of the field of information architecture has led to a more democratized approach, making it accessible to various professionals and industries.
Information architecture and content strategy are closely connected, with IA organizing content and content strategy ensuring its creation and maintenance over time.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Information Architecture
The field of information architecture has undergone significant changes over the past 25 years. While the role of information architect has become less prevalent, IA work continues to be done by individuals who may not have the official job title. Abby Covert sees this as a positive sign, presenting an opportunity to democratize the craft of information architecture, making it accessible to a wider range of industries and professionals.
The Relationship Between Information Architecture and Content Strategy
Abby Covert highlights the close relationship between information architecture and content strategy. She quotes Karen McGrane, who described information architecture as building the car, while content strategy ensures that the car doesn't run out of gas. Covert emphasizes the importance of both disciplines, as information architecture organizes and structures content, while content strategy focuses on its creation and maintenance over time. The need for content strategy depends on the cadence of change, with ongoing maintenance requiring a more significant content strategy presence.
The Significance of Demystifying Information Architecture
Abby Covert emphasizes the need to demystify information architecture. She discusses how many individuals have been practicing IA without even realizing it, lacking the specific terminology associated with the role. Covert believes that everyone can benefit from understanding basic principles of information architecture, such as the importance of clear labels and structures. She advocates for a practice-based approach, breaking away from rigid titles and focusing on collaborative efforts to bring clarity and effectiveness to information architectural decisions.
The Role of Incentives in Information Architecture
Covert highlights the significant impact of incentives in the realm of information architecture. She notes that misaligned or conflicting incentives within organizations can hinder effective IA work. By recognizing and addressing these misalignments, IA professionals can play a role in shaping and influencing incentive structures. Covert emphasizes the need for education and communication to bridge gaps and align incentives, fostering a better understanding of the value that information architecture brings to organizations.
As the digital practices have grown and evolved over the past few decades, the job title "information architect" has become less common. That doesn't necessarily mean that the work isn't being done, but IA is now often in the province of a designer, content strategist, or other practitioner.
Abby Covert sees this situation as both a sign of progress and as an opportunity to more deliberately democratize the craft of information architecture.
https://ellessmedia.com/csi/abby-covert/
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode