Abby Covert

Abby Covert, also known as Abby the IA, is a pioneer in the field of Information Architecture. Abby likes to think of herself as a “Sensemaker,” a role she believes is becoming more and more necessary in our increasingly messy world. To spread this message, Abby wrote the book How to Make Sense of Any Mess, helped found World IA Day that now has events all over the globe, and shared her thoughts on the subject here with us. Listen Now

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.

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.

Abby Covert, a renowned information architect and author at Etsy, shares her journey from a Caribbean island to the world of digital design. She discusses the importance of community and mentorship in shaping a career in information architecture. The overlap between content strategy and IA is highlighted, showcasing its relevance in large organizations. Abby also reflects on her transition to Etsy, balancing work with personal life, and the challenges of managing career and family, all while hinting at future topics inspired by her book.

Abby Covert, a seasoned information architect and author, shares her expertise on making sense of complex information. She discusses the profound impact of customer feedback in UX design and her journey through ADHD, emphasizing the unique challenges faced by women in diagnosis. Abby also explores her transition from graphic design to information architecture, highlighting ethical responsibilities in tech. With insights into effective communication through diagrams, she underscores the importance of community support and self-advocacy in overcoming creative challenges.