How to demystify Information Architecture for improved user experiences

Insights Unlocked

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Episode Summary:

In this enlightening episode of Insights Unlocked, UserTesting's Bailey Copithorne talks with Abby Covert, an esteemed information architect and author, to unravel the intricacies of information architecture (IA).

They explore Abby's journey from graphic design to information architecture, the challenges to understanding information architecture, effectively introducing IA to teams where the concept may be new, and how to leverage AI in the field of information architecture.

Guest bio:

Our guest is Abby Covert. Abby is an information architect who helps people make sense of information. She writes books and teaches courses on information architecture. She is also the founder of The Sensemakers Club, a digital clubhouse where you can meet sensemakers with similar interests and challenges to your own.

What You'll Learn:

1. Abby's professional evolution: from aspirations in musical theater to information architecture, Abby shares how her career transitioned through various phases of graphic and digital design.
2. Challenges in Information Architecture: understanding the common misconceptions that beginners have and how Abby's teaching approach addresses these challenges.
3. Practical applications: insight into Abby's tenure at Etsy, including her innovative approach to implementing a voice of the customer program that reshaped how user feedback influenced product development.
4. Future of Information Architecture: discussions on how information architecture is becoming increasingly crucial in the development and humanization of AI and machine learning technologies.
5. The Sensemakers Club: Abby talks about her initiative to create a community for information architecture enthusiasts to connect, learn, and grow through The Sensemakers Club.

Key Quotes:

• "Information architecture is not just about organizing data; it's about organizing it with intention."
• "Democratizing information architecture means making it a tool everyone can use to make sense of their messes, not just the trained professionals."

Resources Mentioned:

• Abby Covert's Books: How to Make Sense of Any Mess and Stuck? Diagrams Help.
• The Sensemakers Club: www.thesensemakersclub.com

Episode Timestamps:

• [00:00] Introduction to Abby Covert and the episode theme
• [05:22] Abby's journey from graphic design to information architecture
• [15:45] Common misconceptions and educational approaches in information architecture
• [25:30] Implementing customer voice at Etsy and its impact
• [35:50] The critical role of information architecture in AI and machine learning
• [45:10] Discussion on the future and democratization of information architecture
• [55:00] Conclusion and information about the Sense Makers Club

Call to Action:

• Check out The Sensemakers Club and consider joining to connect with a community of like-minded professionals and enthusiasts.
• Read Abby's influential books to gain a deeper understanding and practical insights into tackling complex information architecture challenges.

Further reading:

• For more information, read this UserTesting blog post, Information architecture: a comprehensive UX guide for beginners.