How do you learn from and inspire other UX professionals?

1 Join online communities

One of the easiest and most effective ways to connect with other UX professionals is to join online communities that focus on IA and related topics. There are many platforms and forums where you can ask questions, share your work, give feedback, and learn from others' experiences. Some examples are UX Stack Exchange, UX Mastery, Information Architecture Institute, and UX Design Community. You can also join groups on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, where you can follow influencers, join discussions, and network with potential collaborators.

2 Attend events and workshops

Another way to learn from and inspire other UX professionals is to attend events and workshops that are relevant to IA and your specific interests. You can find local or online events that offer opportunities to learn new skills, hear from experts, and network with peers. Some examples are World IA Day, UXPA, UX Australia, and UX Camp. You can also look for workshops that teach you how to use specific tools or methods for IA, such as card sorting, tree testing, or wireframing.

3 Read books and blogs

If you prefer to learn at your own pace and in your own time, you can also read books and blogs that cover IA and related topics. You can find a wealth of information and inspiration from authors and bloggers who share their knowledge, opinions, and tips on IA and UX design. Some examples are Information Architecture for the Web and Beyond by Louis Rosenfeld, Peter Morville, and Jorge Arango, The Elements of User Experience by Jesse James Garrett, and A List Apart by various contributors.

4 Start a personal project

One of the best ways to learn from and inspire other UX professionals is to start a personal project that challenges you to apply your IA skills and creativity. You can choose a topic or problem that you are passionate about, or a domain or industry that you are curious about. You can then design and prototype a solution that meets the needs and goals of your target users. You can also share your project with other UX professionals and ask for feedback, suggestions, or collaboration.

5 Mentor or teach others

Finally, you can also learn from and inspire other UX professionals by mentoring or teaching others who are interested in IA or UX design. You can offer your expertise, guidance, and support to someone who is new to the field, or who wants to improve their skills or career. You can also create and share educational content, such as tutorials, courses, or podcasts, that teach others how to do IA or UX design. By mentoring or teaching others, you can also reinforce your own learning, discover new perspectives, and build your reputation.

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?