We share our adventures through information
Info.Design believes that narrative (storytelling) offers people with a way to see and understand their world. And in a "world" where we sell structure (an invisible framework) we believe it helps to step back and say, "this is what lost users feel like" and "here's what we're trying to figure out."

Follow the adventures of an information architect
In our periodic column, Adventures of an Information Architect, Thom Haller presents his "adventures" trying to find his way through information.

Because, basically, it's like this ... he can't.

Read these stories. Use them as examples.

We encourage you to copy them and share them with others -- especially people who assimilate and synthesize information slowly.

Learn why these columns exist

We hope Thom's travels in Adventures of an Information Architect can shed light on what it feels like to be lost in information. As user advocates, we're committed to demystifying people's frustrations with the structure of information. We believe that narrative (such as this column) provides an important route to improving understanding.

Read the columns

"Acting on Dreams" (January 15, 2002)

In this column Thom reflects on how he uses Martin Luther King, Jr's. birthday as a day for reflection, as his own “I have a dream day.” In this column he tells how the MLK Day first took on special resonance in 1998 and how he’s continued to use the focus and structure he received that day.

"Thoughts on Possibility (After the Explosions)" (September 13, 2001)

Writing offers opportunities for directing, guiding, helping others. Perhaps we think, "why bother" in a world where horrible evils threaten our personal peace. Well, we can dwell there, or we can use this moment when our worldview is shifting to see our work-world differently. We have the opportunity to shift our focus from one of resignation to one of possibility.

"What's in a name?" (June 20, 2001)

What is the difference between Information Design and Information Architecture? In an article in "Design Matters," (the quarterly newletter of the Information Design Special Interest Group for the Society of Technical Communication), Thom explores these labels. We're providing a copy of this text here.

"The Florida Mandate" (November 10, 2000)

The fate of our nation is riding on poor information design. Thom speaks up on the Forida ballot disaster.

"Upon receiving a letter from the IRS" (February 15, 2000)

The IRS may now be "kinder and gentler".. but, as Thom finds out, their communication skills still could use some work.

"What's an information architect doing telling stories?" (February 1, 2000)

Thom introduces what it's like to be a "blobhead" ...
"I'm the guy who loses his place when reading. The guy who is asked by friends, "what books are you carrying around now." The guy who had to learn to think and write in bullets. I'm the guy who needs to see structure in documents. I'm the guy who gets lost trying to find my way across a gasoline pump. Gets lost using a microwave, and doesn't even try to program a VCR.

Tell us your own adventures
We believe narrative provides a useful tool for helping people through information. What are your experiences? We'd love to read about your experiences and will post our favorites (we'll ask your permission first). Keep in touch. Send your adventures to thom@thomhaller.com .