Identifying and Representing Electronic Engineering Resources: A Case Study in Knowledge Management

Current methods of access to the electronic resources offered by the Internet make little use of basic principles of information organization and retrieval, relying instead on relatively informal and, at times, ad hoc approaches. This creates problems in terms of the volume of information retrieved by a user of the Internet and the precision with which that information matches the user's information need. There is a plethora of engineering resources available on the Internet, yet no systematic method of retrieval is available to engineers who are in need of the most current information in their discipline. The Internet is often the only immediate source of the most current engineering resources. The purpose of this project is to identify electronic resources that could be of value to engineers and to represent these resources in a manner that enables engineers to make timely, informed decisions about the usefulness of the resources. This paper addresses the specific objectives the project which include: 1) the development of selection criteria for electronic engineering resources; 2) the identification of electronic resources of interest to engineers, as defined by the selection policy; and 3) the creation of abstracts for these electronic resources that will include at least two hyperlinks to other related electronic resources.

Connaway, Lynn Silipigni, Rochelle Logan, Christopher Brown. ISRDP in Digital Libraries (1997). Articles>Knowledge Management>Information Design>Engineering

Identifying Information Design Heuristics  

This paper identifies common problems faced by information designers and suggests a set of heuristics that could be used to evaluate information design. By examining reception and transmission errors, the paper explores the different channels available to the designer, the errors that can be introduced through those channels, and possible solutions that might mitigate or eliminate those errors.

Sukach, Rebecca. STC Proceedings (2002). Design>Information Design>Assessment

If This Is Information Architecture, I Need a Plumber!

The validity of the term architecture for information work has been the source of some contention among both IAs and traditional architects. I have been forcefully reminded in recent weeks, through my dependence on information technology, just how limited the architecture of information spaces can be compared to the physical structures of our world. Just as a problem with the plumbing or the roof of your home tends to grab your attention and demand resolution, computers in their various forms can make demands on users that stretch the patience and emotional stability of even the most sanguine.

Dillon, Andrew. ASIST (2001). Articles>Information Design

IM Bots  

Campbell discusses the role technical communicators can play in developing IM (instant messaging) bots--programs that correspond with IM users--for customer support purposes.

Campbell, Walter. Intercom (2003). Articles>Information Design>Communication>Instant Messaging

The Impact of Single Sourcing and Technology    

Design of information tends to be controlled by the functionality of the tools and technology. The last decade has seen a powerful move to online materials and a move away from paper. The next 5 years will see a move to new ways of structuring information for multiple media, multiple audiences, and multiple types information. The use of document databases, single sourcing, and knowledge webs will redefine 'writing.' As we move into the next millennium, information developers need to take control of the technology to support information design. This article addresses the changing face of technology, information design, and skills required to ensure effective information development in support of user needs.

Rockley, Ann. Technical Communication Online (2001). Design>Information Design>Single Sourcing

Implementing Information Architecture Using XML: A Business-Driven Approach

A few of aspects that are easy to miss in the excitement of trying to implement an XML-based information architecture in an organization.

Pant, Asit H. and Aoyon Choudhary. Indus (2005). Articles>Information Design>XML

Implementing SGML in the Mainstream: The First Steps  

“SGML is too complex and too costly to implement widely. ” This criticism has often been leveled at the Standard Generalized Markup Language. Mainstream SGML, a new open architecture, challenges that view. Traditionally, implementation has required companies to invest heavily in training. Authors had to learn how to create documents using complex SGML syntax. This method was time-consuming and yielded a slow return on investment. The Mainstream approach to implementing SGML uses resources that already exist in a company. Mainstream SGML provides an alternative to costly, complex native SGML document management systems. This workshop shows you how you can use mainstream SGML to successfully implement SGML in your mainstream business and publishing processes.

Luoma, Ray N. STC Proceedings (1997). Presentations>Information Design>SGML

Implementing SGML: Issues and Strategies for the Beginner  

SGML provides opportunities to expand communication flexibility, retrievability, and collaboration while it challenges authors to relinquish control over document appearance and sole-ownership. Authors need to learn a complex new language, make a series of document management decisions and commit to the hardware and software needed to support this technology. While learning to implement SGML may at first seem overwhelming, following the recommended steps can help simplify the process.

Onifer-Reino, Judith. STC Proceedings (1996). Articles>Information Design>SGML

Implementing SGML: The First Steps  

Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML) is an accepted standard today. It promises to free many companies and industries from problems with document conversion, compatibility, and interoperability. Whether you’re curious about SGML’s benefits or actively planning to implement SGML, this workshop can help. As a participant, you will learn how to apply a life-cycle approach to implementing SGML. Through hands-on exercises, you will gain the knowledge to successfully plan and implement SGML solutions.

Holman, G. Ken and Ray N. Luoma. STC Proceedings (1995). Articles>Information Design>SGML>Standards

Implementing SGML: The First Steps  

Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML) is an accepted standard today. It promises to free many companies and industries from problems with document conversion, compatibility, and interoperability. Whether you’re curious about SGML’s benefits or actively planning to implement SGML, this workshop will help. As a participant, you will learn how to apply a life-cycle approach to implementing SGML. Through hands-on exercises, you will gain the knowledge to succesfully plan and implement SGML solutions.

Holman, G. Ken and Ray N. Luoma. STC Proceedings (1996). Articles>Information Design>SGML

Improving Usability with a Website Index

Indexes are important information-finding tools that can enhance usability. Site indexes provide direct, easily scannable links to meaningful, yet highly granular, chunks of content. But there’s more to them than people often assume.

Leise, Fred. Boxes and Arrows (2002). Design>Web Design>Information Design

In Search of Salience: A Response-Time and Eye-Movement Analysis of Bookmark Recognition

Describes the effect of bookmark naming on bookmark recognition. The purpose is to provide empirically-determined guidelines for web producers on how to title pages in order to optimise the recognition of bookmarks by users, and increase the rate of revisitation to their websites.

Poole, Alex. Alex Poole (2005). Articles>Information Design>Usability>Web Browsers

Inconsistencies in Information Architecture Deliverables

In my work as a web designer/IA I have come across many inconsistencies in the way IA's and other Web professionals refer to Web information architecture deliverables. In speaking with various Web design companies I have come across multiple terms for the same deliverables. Information architecture is a relatively new field which has yet to develop a consistent and universal set of deliverables, and terminology to refer to those deliverables. I also haven't come across a central repository of IA deliverables. This document is an attempt to fill that void.

Doss, Glen. GDoss.com. Design>Information Design>Professionalism

Incorporating Navigation Research into a Design Method  

A presentation about whether an underlying spatial metaphor aids information design usability.

Lombardi, Victor. Information Architecture Summit (2004). Presentations>Information Design>Usability

Indexing Web Pages: Maybe Books Aren't Such a Bad Model After All!

One of our favorite cliches is that you can't use the printed book as a model for online information. Web-based information, which is following the same evolutionary progress as online help systems, has inherited this 'books are bad' philosophy. However, any statement we've begun to take for granted bears some re-examination, because unquestioningly accepting dogma undermines our efforts to improve communication.

Hart, Geoffrey J.S. Geoff-Hart.com (1999). Articles>Information Design>Indexing>Web Design

The Indoition Page

Articles, links, downloads and working aids for user assistance professionals and technical writers. Main focus is on software documentation (online-help) and single source publishing.

Achtelig, Marc. indoition engineering (2005). Resources>Information Design>Single Sourcing>Writing

The Influence of Semantics and Syntax on What Readers Remember    

The objectives of the study presented here are to help writers and editors better allocate their efforts, increase the discipline’s knowledge about reader performance with technical documents, and examine many text variables in one study. For this study, participants read and recalled one of two technical texts. Results reveal that readers are more likely to recall more important versus less important information. Additionally, readers are more likely to recall information in clauses, in independent clauses, and in the first paragraphs of documents. The implication of these results for writers and editors is discussed.

Isakson, Carol S. and Jan H. Spyridakis. Technical Communication Online (1999). Articles>Human Computer Interaction>Information Design

Influence of Training and Exposure on the Usage of Breadcrumb Navigation

Recent studies have shown that while the use of breadcrumb trails to navigate a website can be helpful, few users choose to utilize this method of navigation. This study investigates the effects of 'mere exposure' and training on breadcrumb usage. Findings indicate that brief training on the benefits of breadcrumb usage resulted in more efficient search behavior.

Hull, Spring S. Usability News (2004). Design>Web Design>Information Design>Usability

Infodesign

InfoDesign serves as a forum for moderated discussions about information design issues. Information design is the art and the science of presenting information so that it is understandable and easy to use: effective, efficient and attractive. Information design involves knowledge and skills in various areas, such as graphic design, psychology, language, typography, diagramming, and user-testing.

Infodesign. Resources>Mailing Lists>Information Design>Typography

InfoDesign: News Flashes

This site provides information designers with up-to-date information and communication facilities on aspects of the growing field of Information Design. Its main objective is to collect, structure and disclose relevant resources.

Bogaards, Peter J. Bogieland. Resources>Information Design>Journalism>Blogs

The Information Architect as Change Agent

Argues that IAs can do their jobs better if they understand organizational change management, even if they don't need to be change management specialists. I'll also suggest a variety of concepts and practices that can (hopefully) help IAs in their change agent role, and I promise to throw in something entertaining as well.

Clarke, Matthew C. Boxes and Arrows (2007). Articles>Information Design

Information Architect Association Japan

コンセントによる日本のインフォメーションアーキテクトのための情報提供サイト。IA関連イベント情報、参考文献、IA関連リンクなどの紹介。

IAAJ. (Japanese) Organizations>Information Design>Regional>Japan

An Information Architect's Manifesto

Information architects of the world, unite! The environment has changed. Now, so must we!

Morville, Peter. Argus Center (2001). Articles>Information Design

Information Architects and Their Central Role in Content Management

The process of content management begins when an organization comes to the realization that it needs a system to manage content. While the interpretation of the term content management (CM) can be as simple as a set of guidelines for organizing and maintaining content, more typically today it means a sophisticated software-based system. A full-featured content management system (CMS) takes content from inception to publication and does so in a way that provides for maximum content accessibility and reuse and easy, timely, accurate maintenance of the content base.

Warren, Rita. ASIST (2001). Articles>Content Management>Information Design

Information Architecture

In this course we'll be talking about and working on the architecture of 'information spaces.' An 'information space' could be a virtual space like a Web site or a database, or it could be a library, a town hall, a workplace, etc. Basically, it's any place that is designed to help people interact with information, and our goal will be learning about better, more sophisticated ways of helping people interact effectively.

Clark, Dave. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (2003). Academic>Courses>Information Design