And, if you can't attend, you can still enter the book raffle. Cheers!
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And, if you can't attend, you can still enter the book raffle. Cheers!
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It serves as a gateway to the Search Pattern Library on Flickr, our colorful collection of examples, patterns, and anti-patterns. And, it features all the illustrations from Search Patterns, released under a Creative Commons license, so you can use them in your publications and presentations.
As we explain in Chapter One (PDF), we created our book and pattern library for a reason. We want to make search better. Or, to be more precise, we want to inspire you to make search better. So, please take a look, spread the word, and help us to make search better.
I'll be giving away butterfly books at Interaction 10 in Savannah this week. If you're interested in playing, follow me on Twitter.
]]>I'm looking forward to seeing new entries, and to giving away more than $2,000 in prizes. Please join us in our efforts to advance and promote information architecture. Spread the word. Enter the contest. Explain IA.
Search Patterns is now available via Safari and as an O'Reilly Ebook. Plus, you can download Chapter One (PDF) for free. Enjoy!
]]>Also, when you register, use code morville for free lifetime access to the recording for your organization. Please spread the word. Happy Holidays!
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But, I really did enjoy the book, especially the Structure of Instruction episode and, of course, the Information Architect episode.
Here are some excerpts:
The Commissioner of Curiosity and Imagination loved information but knew that information that didn't inform wasn't information - it was data, non-information.
He was, as he liked to call himself, an Information Architect, in fact the original Information Architect, since the time the little fellow chaired the American Institute of Architects' 1976 national convention with the theme The Architecture of Information.
And that's why I've chosen to call myself an Information Architect! he told the gathering. I don't mean a bricks-and-mortar architect. I mean architect as in the creating of systemic, structural and orderly principles to make something work - the thoughtful making of either artifact, or idea, or policy that informs because it is clear.
The Information Age has been in existence for more than two decades now and yet, does it inform? the Commissioner asked.
And yet, through this field of black volcanic ash has come a group of people, small in number, deep in passion, called Information Architects, who ply their trade, make themselves visible and develop a body of work on paper, in electronic interfaces, in some extraordinary exhibitions. These people are now and they are the future.
It's a tough book to describe. Eccentric is my word. What's yours?
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...and made my day. Very cool! Oh, and if you like that video, you'll also like these videos about Project Natal for the Xbox. Thanks for the links Amit!
]]>A map is a powerful tool for navigating and understanding physical, digital, intellectual, and social space. In this workshop, we'll explore how maps can improve the process and product of classic and cross-media information architecture and user experience design.
That's all I have! But, I'm convinced that information architect as cartographer is a relatively uncharted territory worthy of exploration. And Richard Saul Wurman agrees. But, I could sure use some help. If you have reactions, suggestions, or recommended reading, please let me know. Thanks!
IA for Ubiquitous Ecologies (PDF) by Andrea Resmini and Luca Rosati is a short, powerful paper about designing cross-media experiences.
Stacy Surla has written a great article about Citizen-Centric Portals.
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So, before the experience fades into memory, I'd like to record a few insights. First, the marathon challenges the mind, not just the body. And, I'm not talking only about grit, determination, and pacing strategy. Selecting a training program is critical. I found the run less, run faster system of FIRST (and my Forerunner 305) to be a perfect fit. Diet also counts, and in this I adhered to the mantra: Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.
Second, the marathon is emotional. An injury or mishap at any moment during training or in the race can end the quest. Fear and loneliness coexist with hope and exhilaration. But, if you're lucky, you're not alone. I am truly humbled by the unexpected outpouring of support I received from friends and family.
Along the way, I also drew strength from several sources of inspiration:
I'm not sure if I'll run another. Right now, I'm ready to shift focus: less jogging, more blogging. But, I'm so happy that I had the chance to do it once. Thanks to everyone who made the Detroit Marathon such an amazing experience!
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But, as predicted, my writing runs slower. So, I'm officially taking (at least) the summer off to write search patterns. See you at the finish line!
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Table of Contents
Please spread the word about this inaugural issue and the call for papers.
Will you help Vegard Sandvold design a Topology of Search Concepts?
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It's exciting to see the Library using multiple channels including iTunes, Flickr, YouTube, Twitter, and a blog to share and spotlight its amazing collections.
Have you ever noticed the search, discover, and share options that YouTube provides at the conclusion of embedded videos?
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But it won't be all play. We'll be refining our seashell discovery algorithms.
I'm also collecting examples (e.g., Newssift, Elastic Lists, Crimespotting) of scented widgets and sparklines in search. What are your favorites? Thanks!
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FestiFools is a reminder that Ann Arbor is a wonderful place to live, especially now that spring has sprung. And, on a topic of deep relevance to readers of this blog, it's great to see that my favorite photographer has finally found Waldo.
]]>As an extra bonus, Dan has posted a short excerpt from his interview with Richard Saul Wurman. I found it surprisingly refreshing and inspiring.
What do Niccolò Machiavelli and Mother Teresa have in common? They'd both be proud of John Rhodes for writing this book.
I'm collecting even more search patterns. A great new example is Newssift (thanks Endeca!) which features entity extraction, sentiment analysis, and semantic expansion. Please keep the examples and patterns coming. Thanks!
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