CRUX #4: fresh thinking from the world of UX

According to Abby Covert, author, teacher and community leader in the field of information architecture (IA) : ‘IA is the way we arrange pieces of content to make sense when experienced as a whole. By this definition: there is information architecture in everything. Mindblown?’

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😮 (That’s a resounding yes from an IA rookie like me.)

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In this issue of CRUX we go in search of information architecture and have some surprising encounters in the worlds of emoji, elevators, walking tracks, games and more. We meet UX designers, developers, researchers and even a Senior Park Ranger. It seems you can have your ‘IA hat’ on without even realising it. That’s the power of information architecture.

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Some highlights from this issue:

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• UX research and strategy specialist, Q Walker explores the world of emoji from an information architecture perspective and sparks curiosity along the way. Have you ever wondered why clock emojis are organized under travel and places? 🤔

• We talk to Senior Park Ranger David Rogers about the thinking behind creating and building New Zealand’s national walking track network and reveal how information architecture can also live ‘in the wild’.

• UX developer Ben Chapman delves into the classification systems of libraries over time and ponders the pros and cons for users of moving information online.

• We talk to Sam Cope, Lead UX Designer at Wētā Workshop’s Interactive division about what it takes to drive design decisions with the end user in mind - something crucial for any video game’s success, whether it’s a blockbuster or something more niche.

• And much more about information architecture in unexpected places….

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The stories and people in this issue of CRUX certainly captured our imagination and attention - we hope they inspire and even surprise you too.

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Get comfortable and settle in for a great read. Welcome to CRUX #6.

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A plug for the next issue

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Do you have a burning idea to share or a conversation you’re dying to kickstart that’s of interest to the world of UX?  Now’s your chance.  We’re already on the lookout for contributors for our next edition of CRUX for 2022.  To find out more please drop us a line.

In the crowded and complex world we live in, great user experiences can make all the difference to the way we navigate day-to-day life.

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CRUX#5 reveals the many faces of information architecture at work and its positive impact in the fields of business, entertainment, education, and more. Our enthusiastic and knowledgeable contributors generously paint a picture of the challenges, opportunities and benefits of harnessing the power of IA in their world.

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In this issue

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• Author/teacher and games user research expert Steve Bromley reveals some fascinating, even surprising insights from the niche world of UX for video games.

• Product Designer Katie Del Angel from Shopify shares some of her favorite ways to adopt an IA mindset when designing digital products.

• Digital interactive designer Kate Berry talks information architecture according to the world of visitor experience

• Chantal Schweizer from Earley Information Science dives into the all important area of taxonomies and the merits of following best practice to help drive success in the world of eCommerce

• And UX Researcher Rebecca Klee shares five approaches to increase the alignment and impact of your IA research.

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As always we're grateful to all our contributors for helping shine a light on the fascinating, even addictive world of UX.  They certainly captured our imagination and attention - we hope they inspire and even surprise you too. 

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Welcome to CRUX#5

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P.S.  We’re already on the lookout for contributors for our next edition of CRUX for 2022.  To find out more please drop us a line.

As the fourth issue of CRUX goes to press the demand for usability continues to grow, along with the rise of the digital experience economy.  Sharing a sense of community among UXers is more important than ever.  That’s why we’re so proud to bring you our latest issue of CRUX, celebrating people and perspectives from the UX community.

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CRUX #4 has a great line-up of contributors, all experts in their fields who jumped at the opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas with us - and of course more importantly - you.  

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This issue we’ve focussed on collaboration and invited our contributors to bring their thoughts and ideas on communication and teamwork to the table.  They’ve come up with some compelling reading that inspires, surprises and at times challenges current thinking and offers fresh perspectives. 

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Some highlights from this issue

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• Seasoned researcher Josh Morales from Hotjar tackles the challenge of presenting research effectively with a smart yet simple framework.

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"In a word: your findings virtually do not exist if you don’t communicate them well."

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• Designer Jordan Bowman of UX Tools ponders the problem of cognitive bias and highlights the key things to look out for.

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“Designers are just as vulnerable to the blindspots and errors of cognitive bias as the people who use our products. After all, we're humans,too.”

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• UX consultant Eugenia Jongewaard from UX Tips talks about inclusive research and challenges UX researchers and designers to up their game.

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“As we live in a world of rapid digital transformation we can't continue to design in the same way we designed before. We should start designing for inclusion. For that to happen we need to shift our mindset towards inclusive research.”

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• And much, much more….

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A plug for the next issue

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Do you have a burning idea to share or a conversation you’re dying to kickstart that’s of interest to the world of UX?  Now’s your chance.  We’re already on the lookout for contributors for our first edition of CRUX for 2022.  To find out more please drop us a line

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But for now, get comfortable and settle in for a good read.  Welcome to CRUX #4.