All posts from
April 2003

Information Architecture

“Two prestigious speakers will talk on this pertinent and significant subject. Information Architecture is ‘the emerging 21st century professional occupation addressing the needs of the age, focused upon clarity, human understanding and the science of the organization of information’ (Richard Saul Wurman).” (STC Belgium)

Information Architecture: You Do It, You Just Don’t Know It

“Technical communicators stand to gain a great deal from understanding the work of the information architect. Even if you don’t build Web sites, by thinking like an information architect, you’ll greatly enhance the products you do develop. Whether you build online help systems, develop Web-based training, create or maintain knowledge bases, conduct usability testing, or help maintain your corporate intranet, you’ll find it worth your while to get in touch with your inner information architect. Doing so will make your products easier for users to use and for owners/developers to maintain.” (Mir G. HaynesSTC Intercom) – courtesy of beth mazur

Edward Tufte on Columbia Evidence: Analysis of Key Slide

“The three reports concerning the possible tile damage on the Columbia prepared by the Boeing engineers have become increasingly important as the investigation has developed. The reports provided the rationale for NASA officials to curtail further research (such as photographing the Columbia with spy cameras) on the tiles during the flight. Here is a close analysis of an important slide from a Boeing report.” (Edward TufteAsk ET Forum) – courtesy of xblog

The Power of Design: AIGA National Design Conference

“(…) focus on the extraordinary opportunities for designing in the 21st century. Designers will play critical roles in the success of our rebounding economyĆ³both as agents of social change in a complex world and as leading architects of sustainable solutions for a troubled planet. You’ll hear speakers from diverse disciplines who work in a variety of media discuss designing for the economy, environment and culture.” (Vancouver, British Columbia October 23-26, 2003)

Consumers on the Web: Identification of Usage Patterns

“This article analyzes consumer behavior on the Web. The purpose is to research patterns that characterize consumer actions in this environment. The study employs Nielsen//NetRatings Internet panel data in Finland. The four-month data for 65 panelists suggest three interrelated Web usage patterns that are highlighted here. The text will outline how these conclusions were reached and present other observations.” (Nina Koiso-KanttilaFirst Monday 8.4)

Usability is Good Management

“The professional manager is always looking for feedback. They test their plans and theories constantly. They are sensitive to cues within their environment, adapting as appropriate. The website manager operates within a feedback-starved environment. Thus, they need to be much more proactive in seeking feedback. Usability is a way of doing this.” (Gerry McGovern)

Design Rationale Research

“(…) developing effective methods and computer-supported representations for capturing, maintaining and re-using records of why designers have made the decisions they have. The challenge is to make the effort of recording rationale worthwhile and not too onerous for the designer, but sufficiently structured and indexed that it is retrievable and understandable to an outsider trying to understand the design at a later date.” (Simon Buckingham ShumKnowledge Media Institute)