Change management gets a bad rap. Maybe it’s because the words themselves sound like corporate speak. Or maybe it’s because most of us have been on the receiving end of badly managed change and we’re still scarred from the experience. But here’s the thing: if you’re doing information architecture work, you’re doing change management work….
You can see the mess. You’ve even got the imagination to fix it. But somehow, you can’t seem to get anyone else on board with making it better. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. As sensemakers, we have a special knack for spotting chaos in systems, language, and structure. But having the vision to…
The difference between good sensemaking and great sensemaking isn’t just about having the right answer. It’s about understanding what return you’re getting from the time, energy, and resources you put into making sense of complex problems. This article covers: What is Return on Investment in Sensemaking? Return on Investment (ROI) in sensemaking is the measurable…
You know that moment when you have a brilliant idea for fixing something that’s clearly broken, but then you realize the hard part isn’t figuring out the solution—it’s getting everyone else to see it too? Welcome to the real work of sensemaking. The messy, human part where good ideas go to die unless you know…
Let’s cut to the chase: taxonomy is one of those words that makes people’s eyes glaze over. But here’s the thing, you’re already doing it whether you know it or not. Every time you organize your photos into folders, sort your emails, or decide which drawer the kitchen scissors belong in, you’re creating a taxonomy….
Metadata is everywhere. It’s the invisible backbone that makes our digital world work. Yet most people treat it like an afterthought—slapping on tags and labels without much care. That’s a mistake. Good metadata can transform chaos into clarity. Bad metadata makes everything harder to find, use, and understand. This article covers what metadata actually is,…
At its core, a controlled vocabulary helps groups of people speak the same language, even when they come from different backgrounds or departments. It’s the difference between talking past each other and truly connecting.
A straightforward overview of visual tools that anyone can use—regardless of artistic ability.
If I had a nickel for every time someone told me their information architecture project failed because “the stakeholders just didn’t get it,” I’d have enough money to buy everyone reading this a coffee. Here’s the truth that nobody tells you when you’re learning about IA: the best structure in the world won’t survive contact…
Picture this: You’re standing in front of a mess that needs making sense of. Maybe it’s a product that’s grown too complex, a process that’s gotten unwieldy, or a team that’s lost its way. You know something needs to change, but where do you even start? Enter heuristics – your trusty flashlight in the dark….
