Information Architecture for Everybody
What is this course about?
You already know when something is hard to navigate, hard to read, or hard to understand. But do you have words for why? Information architecture (IA) is the practice of arranging things so they make sense to other people. It shows up in websites, documents, org charts, product flows, naming conventions, and any other place where structure and language have to work together.
This course is a plain-language introduction to what IA is, where it shows up, and why it matters. No background in design or tech required.
What is the learning objective of this course?
By the end of this course you will be able to describe what information architecture is, where it shows up in everyday work, and how to start applying it before your next meeting.
That includes being able to:
- Put a name to the structural and language problems you have been noticing at work
- Explain what IA is (and what it is not) to a colleague, a client, or a hiring manager
- Identify the basic tools and methods IA practitioners use
- Recognize the difference between information architecture and related fields like content strategy, UX design, and taxonomy
- Know where to go next if you want to go deeper
How is this course taught?
- Recorded video, approximately 30 minutes long
- Self-paced: watch it on your own schedule, as many times as you like
- Guided by Abby Covert, who walks you through the core concepts in plain language
- Access is free and delivered to your inbox when you sign up
Who was this course designed for?
- You have been noticing problems with structure, language, or organization at work but you do not have a name for what you are seeing
- You work in or around information: content, data, knowledge management, research, product, communications, or operations
- You have heard the term "information architecture" and want to understand what it actually means
- You are curious whether IA is something that belongs in your practice or your job title
- You feel capable at making things clearer and more organized, but you want a stronger foundation and better vocabulary for it
- Job titles you might have: content strategist, UX writer, researcher, product manager, operations lead, librarian, knowledge manager, instructional designer, communications professional, or something hard to explain at dinner parties
- You are not looking for a tool recommendation. You are looking for a way of thinking.
Course Outline
What is an information architecture?
A clear definition of IA, with examples that go well beyond websites. This section builds the foundation for everything that follows.
Tools and methods
The core practices IA professionals use, explained in plain language. No prior design knowledge needed.
IA vs. related fields
How information architecture relates to (and differs from) content strategy, content design, UX design, and taxonomy. Helpful if you have been wondering where you fit.
Adding IA to your own practice
Practical ways to start thinking and working like an information architect, starting with whatever you are already doing.
Return on investment
How to talk about the value of IA in terms that make sense to the people around you, including those who hold budgets.
Where to go next
A short guide to continuing your IA education, including the next course in the series for those who want to go from curious to practicing.
Who is guiding this course?
"IA is for everybody. Not just designers. Not just developers. Anybody who has ever had to make something make sense to someone else is doing this work. I made this course because I want more people to be able to name what they are already doing." — Abby Covert
A community organizer, information architect and sensemakers with twenty years experience helping others make the unclear, clear.
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