:: Information Architects Need Better PR

Downtrodden.
Type "A."
Negative.

Ever been called these names? It's like high school all over again! Information Architects sometimes get beaten up because of the nature of their roles on projects, their attention to detail, and their ability to spot potential points of frustration...AND let you know about it.

But that's not all...IAs have the chutzpah to ask you to ask the client for more money to do research...a phase "0," ultimately ending in no actual design or build output!

It's no wonder we aren't on everyone's Christmas list. What we need is better PR. We need a Brad Pitt, Bono, or Angelina running our campaign...one of the cool kids.

The fact is, we are the way we are, because about half of our advice gets implemented...if we are lucky! That generally makes us grumpy.

IAs, please try to smile more. Like that TV PSA says, "Knowing is Half the Battle." You've done your part as a good consultant. You've made people aware of the issues. You've pleaded with your project leads to do the right thing. Realize that the advice that is actually followed will bring value to your clients and their users. It is a battle in a longer campaign to improve usability for the good of all internet users.

Do you feel better, now?

Jonathan Lupo - VP / Information Architecture - Empathy Lab