[Sigia-l] AIfIA Goals 2004 Survey Results

[Listera]

"Lord, Ralph" wrote:

> What if the word "principles" were substituted for standards?  Would
> that make any difference?

Interesting suggestion. Possibly.

Standards are deleterious when used for coercion and exclusion. I asked if
"Navbar on the left, links in blue, Visio for wireframes" are standards. The
answer was "Possibly," meaning they could be. Just how idiotic is that!

Imagine they are. If I were to use right-side navbars, green links and
OmniGraffle, I'd be considered 'non-standard'? I'd be denied a job? My work
would be seen as substandard? 'Anarchy' would ensue, as was suggested?

You might think, well, that's silly, nobody would do that. Unfortunately,
there are people, on this list even, who would "possibly" establish these as
'standards,' meaning you'd better conform to be considered a legitimate IA.

This is what I'm objecting to. And my answer lies in only five letters:
"Think." Or expanded, think for yourself, think critically, think through.

Now, are there any 'principles,' as you suggest? I'd be more comfortable
with the notion of 'consequences.' If you put the navbar on the right, there
are a series of consequences which may be good or bad in your *specific*
case. Having links in blue has certain consequences with legacy web habits.
Not using Visio in a shop with Microsoft lock-in leads to certain
consequences. These are all legitimate considerations one needs to weigh.
But to elevate them to the level of standards is plain misguided. Consider
their consequences, think through, test if you need to, make a decision and
move on.
 
IAs, especially young ones, should be encouraged to learn to think through
consequences (and test) rather than memorize and reach for 'standards' when
confronted with problems.
 
> Jumping to talking about standards and licensing I think is premature
> when the "principles" (such as they are) are still being worked out.

Absolutely.

> Heck, I think the jury is still out on whether there really is a
> discrete body of principles of IA.

Ditto.

Ziya
Nullius in Verba