Information Architects codify information’s purpose and context – that is vital for effective use and management. This talk summarizes our approach to understanding dynamic, multi-dimensional information models and the practical tools that help us create them.
Acquisition of heterogeneous content and data sets is growing exponentially; in many cases outstripping an organization’s ability to digest it, share it, and apply it. IAs are the ones to bring structure to all types of data, as we creatively balance descriptive integrity, simplicity, and agreement/disagreement. IAs need to be actively involved defining the logic underpinning information, to help link data externally with the semantic web. Technology tools are often sold as “magic” – claiming algorithms will automagically catalog information and surface meaning. Or content owners assume anyone (in the organization or the public) can easily apply structure to information.The skills that IAs use to help people understand content and data also help computers make connections between the data as well.
We encourage IAs to commit to models, semantic patterns and metadata. In our “Modern IA Manifesto,” we encourage you to grasp the key techniques and tools in the IA’s arsenal to provide more sustainable structure and thus provide more flexibility to information.
Session Takeaways:
- IAs need to lead their organizations to adopt effective linked data models and structures.
- Start with your taxonomy and lead the change.
- With the hype removed, the underlying fabric of the semantic web and link data is baked into our tools, but we need to consider how to use them well.