Representing Information Across Channels
A talk by David Peter Simon
Substantial progress has been made in using information architecture for different mediums and across different channels. NPR’s “COPE System” is just one example of creating flexible content for cross-channel ecosystems, spanning data entry to presentation layer.
In this position presentation, I share a paper I wrote for Reframe IA, reflecting on the relationship between content presentation and evolving hardware. I posit that information architecture is a key practice in rendering device agnostic content, exploring the ways in which the structural design of information helps to bring into being a near seamless experience for users mentally navigating different environments.
I use three specific case studies from three different organizations – Amazon, NPR, and Facebook – so as to illustrate how the structuring of data was a critical aspect in representing information across channels. I draw upon historical and contemporary thinkers within our wider design community - such as Mark Boulton, Daniel Jacobson, Karen McGrane, Marshall McLuhan, Andrea Resmini, and Jan Tschichold - to start a conversation around why I believe the phrase “Structure First” is a clearer way to frame our conversations when it comes to crafting long term digital strategies than “responsive design”.
David Peter Simon
David Peter Simon is an ethnographer and blogger based in London. His primary interest lies at the intersection of design and research, particularly to understand how we build technology that makes a positive impact on the world.
David works at ThoughtWorks, a global IT consultancy whose mission is to better humanity through software.
In his free time, David writes for Indie Shuffle, a music blog, and Holiday Matinee, a blog for creative inspiration. His work has also appeared in UXBooth and UXMatters, and he has presented at IA Summit, Digital Shoreditch, AgileUX, and other industry MeetUps. He tweets @davidpetersimon.
