[Sigia-l] Re: Explaining Ourselves

[Locatelli at aol.com]

In a message dated 3/14/03 10:22:08 AM Central Standard Time, matt.rehkopf at verizon.net writes:


>>Perhaps defining our work for clients and coworkers is not the focus of the Institute and other groups. However, if we want these groups to grow, I think we need to educate the masses, resulting in higher demand for IAs and more IAs to share in these internal discussions.

>>Perhaps a separate organization should be formed to address the questions and needs of those that we serve. Perhaps AIfIA can speak to both audiences: colleuages and laypeople. Whatever, I think the focus today should be on getting the word out and helping people understand how we help.

>>Matt
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As an IA and an erstwhile indexer, I find it interesting to note the parallels between the two professions. For years indexers have been complaining about the lack of recognition, the inability of most editors to understand what makes a good index or how to evaluate an index or an indexer. Yet the American Society of Indexers has yet to develop a coherent program for educating potential clients. Interesting that IAs seem to be in the same position.

I agree with Matt that we need to be looking not just inward to keep our profession advancing, but also outward, to help others understand what it is we do and why they should hire us. In that context what is important is a definition of IA that generally captures what we do and is easily understood by those outside the profession whom we see as needing our services. Whether such a definition captures all the nuances of our many discussions is immaterial. In this context, it would exist purely as a marketing device.

I envision a series of web pages for potential clients discussing how to evaluate an information architecture - what makes it work, what doesn't work so well. How do you evaluate an IA or a proposal from an IA? Maybe even a (heaven-forfend) printed brochure we could distribute at appropriate conferences and meetings. And how about a series of workshops, not for us (the IA Summit works pretty well, I think), but for potential clients, that educate them about our process and how it fits into the larger site design picture?

Fred Leise
Information Architect/Metadata Designer/Indexer
www.ContextualAnalysis.com 
773-561-1993