Information eXperience (IX) Designer - Just a Fancy New Title or a Real Evolution?

A Tongue-in-Cheek Look at the Changing Landscape of Technical Communication.

Okay, folks, let's get real. We've all seen it—job titles getting longer and more impressive-sounding over the years. It's enough to make your head spin faster than an auto-rickshaw driver navigating the narrow lanes of Chickpet.

Shakespeare wisely said, "What's in a name? Would a rose by any other name smell as sweet?" (Though, let's be honest, a 'Hoo Kosu (Cauliflower),' even if we gave it a fancy name, wouldn't suddenly become the most popular flower at KR Market.)

And remember Pluto? The poor little guy got demoted from planet status. But did that change its icy composition or its eccentric orbit? Nope. It's still the same celestial body, just with a less prestigious label. Maybe it should have hired a better PR manager, eh? ??

So, what about this whole "Information eXperience (IX) Designer" thing? Is it just a fancy new title for good old Information Developers/Engineers, or is there something more to it?

Let's jump in, maga?

From Scribes to Storytellers

Being a tech writer in Bengaluru, I've seen it all–from the days of typewriters and cyclostyled copies to the rise of online help and interactive tutorials. I've worn many hats: Technical Writer, Technical Communicator, Information Developer... you name it, I've probably been called it at some point.

And now, with the rise of digital content and the ever-growing demand for engaging user experiences, we're expected to be more than just writers. We're engineers, designers, visual artists, and creative thinkers rolled into one. We're not just explaining things anymore; we're crafting immersive experiences that inform, educate, and delight—all while battling Bengaluru traffic and trying to find the best dosa in town.

The IX Designer: A Jack-of-All-Trades (Master of Some?)

So, what exactly does an IX Designer do? Well, it's a bit of a mixed bag, really. We're still responsible for creating clear, concise, and accurate documentation, but we're also tasked with designing information experiences, creating visual aids, and developing interactive content. Think of us as digital alchemists, transforming raw information into engaging experiences—be it complex API documentation or a snazzy infographic.

The Bottom Line

So, does changing our title from "Information Developer" to "Information eXperience Designer" really change anything? Maybe, maybe not. But one thing's for sure: the role of the technical communicator is evolving. We're no longer just writers; we're storytellers, designers, and user experience experts. And that's pretty darn exciting if you ask me. Now, if you'll excuse me, got to go for a quick coffee break and IX gossip with anna at Brahmin's Coffee. You must stay on top of these IX trends, you know!