How to Make Sense of Any Mess by Abby Covert

Chapter 1: Identify the Mess | Page 15

Things may change; the messes stay the same.

We’ve been learning how to architect information since the dawn of thought.

Page numbering, alphabetical order, indexes, lexicons, maps, and diagrams are all examples of information architecture achievements that happened well before the information age.

Even now, technology continues to change the things we make and use at a rate we don’t understand yet. But when it really comes down to it, there aren’t that many causes for confusing information.

1. Too much information
2. Not enough information
3. Not the right information
4. Some combination of these (eek!)

Chapter 4: Choose a Direction | Page 90

Understand ontology.

If we were to write a dictionary, we’d be practicing lexicography, or collecting many meanings into a list. When we decide that a word or concept holds a specific meaning in a specific context, we are practicing ontology.

Here are some examples of ontological decisions:

• Social networks redefining “like” and “friends” for their purposes
• The “folders” on a computer’s “desktop” you use to organize “files”
• The ability to order at a fast food chain by saying a number

To refine your ontology, all you need is a pile of sticky notes, a pen, and some patience.

1. Find a flat or upright surface to work on.
2. Write a term or concept that relates to your work on each sticky note.
3. Put the sticky notes onto the surface as they relate to each other. Start to create structures and relationships based on their location.

Chapter 5: Measure the Distance | Page 111

Indicators help us measure progress.

Most things can be measured by systems or people.

Indicators tell you if you’re moving towards your intent or away from it. A business might use averages like dollars per order or call response time as indicators of how well they’re doing.

It’s not always easy to figure out how to measure things, but if you’re persistent, you can gain invaluable insights about your progress.

The good news is the work it takes to define and measure indicators is almost always worth the effort.

To find the right indicators, start with these questions:

• What can you measure in your world?
• What could you measure if things changed?
• What signs would tell you if you’re moving towards or away from your intent?

Examples of indicators follow.

Chapter 6: Play with Structure | Page 139

Taxonomies can be sequential.

Sequence is the order in which something is experienced. Some sequences happen in a logical order, where the steps are outlined ahead of time.

Other sequences are more complex with alternative paths and variations based on the circumstances, preferences, or choices of the user or the system.

These are all examples of sequences:

• A software installation wizard
• New patient sign-up forms
• A refund process at a retail store
• A job application
• A recipe
• A fiction book
• The checkout process on a website

Like any taxonomy, the categories and labels you choose affect how clear a sequence is to use.