[Sigia-l] Information Visualization

[Derek R]

Eric wrote:

..|  It strikes me that visualization is always (and only)
..|  the means to an end - understanding the information.
..|  It's not the end itself

Unfortunately, in this sense, many practicing IAs are very much like
engineers: they want to build something -- something tangible.
Accomplishment, or what actually occurs as a result of their efforts, is
not their concern. For instance, someone could say you create a sitemap
because:

..|  Sitemaps and site indexes are forms of supplemental
..|  navigation. They give users a way to navigate a site 
..|  without having to use the global navigation. By providing
..|  a way to visualize and understand the layout and
..|  structure of the site, a sitemap can help a lost or
..|  confused user find her way

But notice there never any mention about accomplishment or whether the
user actually is 'better off' having had the sitemap available. The only
thing which matters (a linear fixation) is 'providing a way' (additions
and supplementals, more, more, more) which is *assumed, a priori,* to
help users. Many IAs strongly believe in the 'more is more' philosophy
and don't feel useful until they have something 'more' (a deliverable)
to hang on to. It seems many believe Information Architecture is *a
profession of piling things up* in the name of simplicity -- creating
more and more 'stuff' so that things are better organized!?! The
emphasis is always on the 'deliverable,' the 'addition,' the
'supplemental' and never is any thought given to accomplishment or what
actually works. A quick view of the movie 'Brazil' will show you how
this philosophy plays out -- information as the end itself. Selah.


Be Well, 

Derek R
http://derekrogerson.com/