[Sigia-l] Bridging the gap

[Chris Chandler]

Jason <jason31 at verizon.net> wrote:

>1. Have you any project or process specific
> evidence that the IA is indeed
> the missing link?


I don't know about IA  being "the" missing link -- but in my experience, the secret to an effective IA is to create and communicate a design that works as an input to both visual design and technology teams.

But, that isn't the only gap that needs to be bridged -- IA often bridges gaps between business and production teams, or marketing and the web site teams, and lets not forget the most important bridge -- between our organizations and their users/customers.



> 2. What types of deliverables have
> the potential for communicating to both 
> audiences?


Wireframes are the obvious answer, but I wouldn't place a lot of emphasis on a single set of documents. The two groups (generalizing here) have very different needs, interests, and temperments. Where I am, the wireframes are primarily for visual design, while the "interaction rules" (a "lite" func spec, really) are for the tech team.

-cc