HCI practices and the work of information architects

Abstract

We interviewed 26 information architects about their work, their backgrounds and their perceptions of their roles as information architects. Our research aimed to identify and understand the work practices that define the position of information architect as well as the human-computer interaction and usability issues that are relevant to their work. Our findings show that the work practices of information architects are far broader than those included in the popular technology design literature. A major issue that emerged from the research was the ongoing struggle of information architects to bring user-centred design methods into the design and development processes used in their organisations. A thorough knowledge of human-computer interaction and usability principles increased the ability of individual information architects to influence design processes. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2004.