Information design (also known as 'information architecture') is the study of the details of complex systems. Among these are websites, user interactions, databases, technical writing documentation, and human-computer interfaces.
#20544
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
#10430
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
#26062
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
#14370
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
#19926
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
#24449
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
#19835
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
#31575
Implementing the Atom Publishing Protocol
Joe Gregorio's latest Restful Web column implements the Atom Publishing Protocol as a Python web service using WSGI.
Gregorio, Joe. XML.com (2006). Articles>Information Design>XML>RSS
#21354
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
#29355
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
#22292
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
#23816
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
#29419
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
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Basic know-how, checklists, tools and links, which will help you to write create clear and concise user-friendly manuals, online help files, software demos, tutorials and other forms of user assistance.
Achtelig, Marc. indoition engineering (2005). Resources>Information Design>Single Sourcing>Writing
#10380
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
#23301
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
#19175
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
#10624
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
#30038
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
#23206
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
#21725
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
#22414
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>Content Strategy
#23531
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>Wisconsin
#23183
This lesson from the University of Texas at Austin discusses ideas associated with the phrase 'information architecture' and relates them to aspects of the library- and information-science (LIS) professions.
Wyllys, R.E. University of Texas (2000). Articles>Information Design
#21732
Information Architecture and Business Strategy
Information architects need a good understanding of business strategy and its relationship to information architecture.
Morville, Peter. Argus Center (2000). Articles>Information Design>Management
