Information Architect

Information Architecture Best Practices

Research

I have ample experience in researching information for a successful IA project, including journal and publication research, Internet research, Internal research, interviews, technology assessment, stakeholder evaluations, content analysis, heuristic evaluations, benchmarking, usage statistic analysis, and user surveys.  The research phase of an IA project is critical to statistically support the validity of the strategic portion of the process.  I have the ability to accurately interpret and substantiate the research and translate that information into usable strategic solutions.

Taxonomies and Information Classification

I have experience architecting both top-down and bottom-up organization systems, as well as classifying complex data into useful information chunks.  I also have some exposure to controlled vocabularies and metadata system development.

Blueprints, Site maps, and Wireframes

The critical element is IA is to be able to communicate the strategy to the individuals that will actually fabricate the final product.  My information architecture wireframes and blueprints convey accurate component diagrams that are simple to understand yet provide enough detail to reduce production questions.  I specifically design my wireframes to have flexibility for the graphic designers and developers to incorporate their expertise.

Project expansion strategies

Information Architecture must take proactive measures to allow for project functionality expansion.  This component is critical to the long-term success of a given project.  All my solutions factor in growth dynamics as a key component.  No IA can completely predict the future, but it is possible to integrate a level of flexibility for potential future developments.

Testing and Analytics

I have experience conducting surveys as well as witnessing direct user interactions, and have performed before-and-after benchmarking as well as competitive benchmarking. I have reviewed usage analytics and have some exposure to search analytics.

Technical Abilities

Internet Technology

Technology is ever changing, and I believe that IA must adjust with it.  I make every attempt to expose myself to new Internet technology as it becomes available.  By remaining open to multiple platforms, technologies, and tools, I maintain objectivity and flexibility to achieve outside-the-box solutions to complex problems.  It also enables me to remain current in a constantly changing environment.

Presentation Tier and User Interface design

I have been creating presentation tiers and user interfaces in a professional level for over 10 years.  I have a rich understanding of code and graphics optimization.  I also have an abundance of experience in creating complex navigation systems and processes.  I have a high understanding of the intricacies of XHTML, CSS, XML, XSL, RSS, Actionscript, Flash, Javascript, SiFR, and other user interface technologies.  This allows me to connect with the web designers on a peer level.

Application Tier and Database design

I have over six years of experience designing and interacting with application developers on a variety of web application projects.  I have personal experience coding in ASP, ASP.NET, PHP, and limited exposure with ColdFusion.  I also have experience coding for mySQL and MSSQL databases.  This experience enables me to work with the application developers and the IT administrators with an understanding of the limitations and complexities of a project.  I have some collegiate computer science programming training and an understanding of object oriented programming.

Compelling Presentations

I have honed my presentation skills in front of director and vice presidential level executives.  The ability to present well, coupled with my visual presentation aids conveys the project quickly and effectively.  I back up the proposals with solid research that statistically supports the strategy, and reduces the potential for interdepartmental arguments.

Management Abilities

Group Management

Unlike many other Information Architects, my bachelor’s degree is in organizational management.  I have received formal training as well as practical experience managing small groups.  I am familiar with organizational psychology, group roles, maximizing group assets, and situational leadership.  It is imperative for an Information Architect to be able to function and control group interactions in order for the project to be completed successfully.

Project Management

I have served as the project head on multiple projects to link content and programming resources to achieve a deliverable product on schedule or before.  One such solution was an internal application that was re-purposed for extensive organizational cost savings.

Business Knowledge

Marketing

Much of my visual design background enabled me to produce marketing work for corporations and marketing firms.  This exposure to the marketing departments makes me an ideal candidate for integrating marketing into larger public web projects.  I have had experience architecting sites that can be flexible to accommodate a marketing department’s changing initiatives over the course of time.  This is a difficult task, but is completely necessary for any project other than an Intranet deployment.  Any interaction the client has with an organization either reinforces or diminishes the brand, and IA should always consider marketing in the strategy.

Stakeholder Assessment

Again, this is where my management degree becomes a huge asset.  Identifying and prioritizing stakeholders involvement and influence play a large role in defining the context of the project.  I have performed stakeholder analysis as it relates to corporate goals.

Budget Awareness

I have Fortune 500 experience in dealing with projects and cost centers to fulfill a project completely within budget.  Logging time and billing to appropriate departments has been a part of every position I have served.

Interdepartmental Interaction

I have experience as a facilitator between programmers, upper level management, IT departments, HR administrators, project team members, and Marketing individuals on a variety of occasions.  My diverse background and communication skills tie the different personalities together to fulfill a common goal.

Navigating Corporate Politics

Ability to navigate corporate political constraints – Every work environment has its own corporate culture, and the ability to accomplish results through both the formal and informal systems is a requirement for any IA.  I have experience navigating the political pitfalls and interpersonal interactions that can sabotage a project.