Just for fun, let’s figure out what information architecture is. Heck, I gave a presentation on it and still have to sit and think about this. It’s like explaining how to make soup. The experience of the activity itself holds the true magic.
The folks at the IA Institute, along with the esteemed Peter Morville, have dreamed up a contest called Explain IA hoping to “advance AND promote IA”.
As recently as this weekend, while following a lead I got that a local company was looking for an experienced usability/IA person, I discovered an abundance of job openings by large companies in the Philadelphia region that were seeking help. One of them wanted several IA folks!
Why have a contest? You’re not alone in wondering. However, if you manage to come up with some genius method of describing it, you stand to win $1000.
Welcome to Explain IA. In this contest, you are invited to explain information architecture. What is it? Why is it important? What does it mean to you? Some folks may offer a definition in 140 characters or less, while others will use this opportunity to tell a story (using text, pictures, audio, and/or video) about their relationship to IA.
You have until February 11, 2010.
