Information Architects is a relatively new field of work, where very few people have experience in. Companies nowadays aren’t looking to hire someone in the field of Information Architecture, because they are unsure of what exactly they do, so often times, IA’s need to “sell themselves” or justify what it is they do, in order to be deemed useful. But the field is growing, and even though there is a lack of experience for IA, they have found an important role for themselves with companies and their web teams.
An information architect has defined the field as “the structural design of shared information environments” as well as “the art and science of organizing and labeling Web sites, intranets, online communities and software to support usability and find-ability (Hoffman, 1).” Basically, they help and assist with the company’s web sites by making them stronger, easier to use and with a better flow of navigation, along with “hard-core coding (Hoffman, 1).” But working as an IA is not as easy as it sounds, mostly because businesses are not sure exactly what IA’s do, so they have doubts about hiring. For the most part, IA’s get a job as programmer, and slowly “They get hired to do a job for which IA may or may not be a defined part of their responsibilities, they take an interest in it, and they manage to talk somebody into letting them take responsibility for those things (Hoffman, 1).” Sooner than later, businesses will see a purpose for IA’s, but for now, the IA’s have to convince the business that they can help them in area’s the IA’s are experts in. Training and classes on IA is few and far between. They are limited in courses where they can learn about it, and they don’t have classes in every school. “As for training, courses in information architecture may be difficult to find, though educational programs in the field, such as a master’s degree in interaction design and information architecture at the
University of
Baltimore, are beginning to emerge (Hoffman, 1).” As you can see, IA classes are slowly emerging, but are limited to only a few schools. To be an IA, you need more than just a few training courses, but a deep desire to figure out what people are thinking and why they think that way. Jesse James Garrett, who is the author of The Elements of User Experience: User-Centered Design for the Web, said “…yet also have a deep interest in people and the way they think. Typically, IA’s collaborate with a variety of people, he notes, from marketing and design pros to business executives and customers (Hoffman, 1).” IA’s and their responsibilities are growing, as well as well as their educational program. It won’t be soon before IA’s are an essential part of any business, but for now, very little experience and a go get’em attitude is what you need to get started.
Works Cited
Hoffman, A. (2006). Information architects: Web builders with a sales bent. Monster.com.
