You’re considering a career in Information Architecture. What are the most important things to know?

1 What does an IA do?

An IA is responsible for defining the goals, scope, and content of a digital project, as well as the navigation, layout, and interaction patterns that support the user experience. An IA works closely with other professionals, such as user researchers, content strategists, designers, developers, and stakeholders, to understand the needs and expectations of the users and the business. An IA also creates and tests various deliverables, such as wireframes, sitemaps, taxonomies, user flows, and prototypes, to communicate and validate the IA strategy.

2 What skills do you need to be an IA?

To be an IA, you need a combination of analytical, creative, and interpersonal skills. You need to be able to research, analyze, and synthesize complex and diverse information, and translate it into clear and coherent structures and systems. You also need to be able to think creatively and strategically, and design solutions that are user-centric, accessible, and scalable. Additionally, you need to be able to collaborate and communicate effectively with different teams and stakeholders, and present and justify your IA decisions and recommendations.

3 How do you become an IA?

Becoming an IA requires a diverse set of skills and experiences, drawing from disciplines such as library science, psychology, computer science, design, communication, or business. To pursue a career in IA, you should learn the fundamentals of the field by reading books and blogs, taking online courses, attending workshops and conferences, or joining professional associations and communities. Building a portfolio of IA projects is also important, which can be accomplished through volunteering or freelancing for clients or organizations or by participating in hackathons, competitions, or challenges. Networking and connecting with other IA professionals is also beneficial - attend events, join online forums, and reach out to people who work in the field. Finally, apply for IA jobs or roles by looking for job postings on websites that specialize in IA or related fields. You can also create your own job opportunities by pitching services or solutions to potential clients or employers.

4 What are the benefits of being an IA?

Being an IA can be a rewarding and fulfilling career, as it allows you to work on diverse and challenging projects that require you to solve real-world problems and create meaningful experiences for users. You can apply your skills and knowledge to various domains and industries, such as e-commerce, education, health, entertainment, or social media. Additionally, you can explore new and emerging trends and technologies, such as artificial intelligence, voice interfaces, or augmented reality. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other professionals and experts in the field, while also having the flexibility and autonomy to choose the type of projects you work on. This includes the tools, methods, and processes that suit your preferences and goals.

5 What are the challenges of being an IA?

Being an IA can be a demanding and complex career, as you might have to deal with ambiguity and uncertainty due to incomplete, inconsistent, or changing information. You might also have to balance the needs and expectations of multiple parties while communicating and advocating for your IA vision. Additionally, you have to stay up-to-date with the evolving and expanding nature of the IA field and practice by learning new skills, tools, methods, and standards.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?