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IAC: Information Architecture conference

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Home / IAC21 – Emergence / Program Schedule

Program Schedule

We’re proud to introduce the main program for IAC21. These talks each embody our theme of Emergence in different ways, from offering new perspectives on our audiences, our processes, and our contributions to the world, to unearthing dark patterns and unintended consequences. And all share a positive, optimistic outlook on how the IA community, with its passion for understanding and infinite curiosity, can emerge from the current moment smarter, stronger, and more determined than ever to do good work.

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Pre conference events

Getting More Value from Your IA Testing


Date

April 6, 2021

Overview

Join us as Rebecca Klee from Optimal Workshop shares tips and insights on how to:

– source the best content for effective card sorts and tree tests (sounds easy but can be the trickiest part of study design!)
– engage stakeholders and team members to run better studies
– complement quantitative results with live (remote friendly) feedback
additional ways to collect feedback to enhance your analysis

Presenter(s)

The Art and Science of Role-Based Access Control in Discord UX


Date

April 7, 2021

Overview

Join Grace, Ken, and Jessi backstage planning as they talk about the information architecture of role-based access control (RBAC) for the IAC Discord server and its impact on the design of the conference experience. Learn about how IAC21 is using Discord to manage backchannel notifications, permissions, and information for its conference and workshops. This event will be recorded.

Presenter(s)

Grace Lau
Grace Lau
Jessi Shakarian
Jessi Shakarian

Make It Snappy: A Content-Led Approach to Conversational UI


Date

April 8, 2021

Overview

Conversational experiences are seeing a surge in popularity, but the processes and systems we use to create them are still emerging. Often, the process gets codified as writing a draft script of the conversation, creating a linear decision tree to map out the logic behind it, then bolting on UI elements if needed.

This works ok for smaller systems, but at scale, it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain flexibility and capture the rationale behind design decisions.

The result: verbose, inflexible conversations that try to include every possible piece of information (aka ‘kitchen sink design’).

So how can we create more concise, relevant and malleable conversations? This session will explore a high-level approach to prioritizing and choreographing content across the audial, textual and visual elements that go into a conversational experience.

As well as improving the experience for users, this also provides a framework for teams to document the thought process behind their conversational design — information that could one day inform better machine reasoning.

Presenter(s)

Stephanie Rymer

Discovering Modern Board Games: Ask Me Anything


Date

April 13, 2021

Time

18:00:00 to 19:00:00

Overview

We are living through a board game renaissance. While the pandemic bumped sales by 20% or more, designer board and card games have been growing steadily for over two decades. The most popular titles, such as Ticket to Ride and 7 Wonders, are now easy to find at Target, Barnes & Noble, and other large retailers. But with more than three thousand new games published each year the options are immense. It can be overwhelming.

This AMA-style session will help you navigate the world of modern board games and help you discover great games. The session will begin with a short presentation on the overall landscape, types of games, and things to look for. Then you can ask your questions about board games: where to find them, how to learn more, specific recommendations, the annual IAC game night, and more.

Presenter(s)

Karl Fast
Karl Fast

Designing Micro-Interactions


Date

April 26, 2021

Overview

Micro-interactions not only add fun, animated elements to a design, but they also help communicate important information to those using our products. This workshop is perfect for Adobe XD beginners. While not required, you may find it beneficial to download and familiarize yourself with Adobe XD prior to the event.

During the workshop, we will learn how to create several different micro-interactions for a stock trading application, including chart interactions, toggles and more. After Matt’s presentation, we will open the floor for questions and discussion.

Presenter(s)

First-Timer Breakout Sessions


Date

April 27, 2021

Time

17:00:00 to 18:00:00

Overview

First-time attendees of the IAC are invited to attend a welcome meet & greet with experienced members of the IA community.

  • Meet other first-timers along with two seasoned IAC attendees
  • Ask experienced attendees questions you have about the event
  • Meet your first conference friend
  • Connect with a potential mentor or a networking contact who knows people they can introduce for you

Presenter(s)

April 28th, 2021

IAC21 Co-Chair Welcome


Time

11:00:00 to 11:30:00

Overview

Kick off IAC21 with a live welcome from the co-chairs before the opening keynote.

Presenter(s)

Cassini Nazir
Teresa Nguyen
Teresa Nguyen
Grace Lau
Grace Lau

Opening Keynote – Jamie and Rebekah Bruesehoff


Time

12:00:00 to 13:00:00

Overview

No Description Available


Presenter(s)

Jamie Bruesehoff
Jamie Bruesehoff
Rebekah Bruesehoff
Rebekah Bruesehoff

The Art and Science of Asking Questions


Time

13:00:00 to 14:00:00

Overview

In the Art and Science of Asking Questions, Dan Brown turns a critical eye to the most important tool in our toolbox: the question — how we ask, what we ask, and why we ask.

Presenter(s)

Dan Brown

The Words You Use Can Make People Confused… and Annoyed


Time

14:00:00 to 14:30:00

Overview

Language and word choice affect everyone. Why don’t we spend more time thinking about how others will be affected by the words we use? Sam Raddatz and Clair Rock work to break down complex words to make content more usable for any audience.

Presenter(s)

Clair Rock
Clair Rock
Sam Raddatz
Sam Raddatz

Shedding Light on Dark Patterns: A Case Study on Digital Harms


Time

15:00:00 to 16:00:00

Overview

Learn about the relationship we have with digital technologies and how to evaluate them for dark patterns with Noreen Whysel.

Presenter(s)

Noreen Whysel
Noreen Whysel

The Remote Leader – Distant but Not Removed


Time

16:00:00 to 17:00:00

Overview

The world of work has changed, has the way you lead changed with it? Come learn with alberta and Martina the why, how and what of effective leadership of teams you can’t meet.

Presenter(s)

alberta soranzo
Martina Hodges-Schell
Martina Hodges-Schell

Group Mentoring, Day 1


Time

20:00:00 to 21:00:00

Overview

Whether you are senior-level or just starting a new UX career, there will be an opportunity to receive great mentorship from colleagues.

Sign up

Presenter(s)

April 29th, 2021

Group Mentoring, Day 2


Time

09:30:00 to 10:30:00

Overview

Whether you are senior-level or just starting a new UX career, there will be an opportunity to receive great mentorship from colleagues.

Sign up

Presenter(s)

Learn to Design for an Aging Population, Cause Guess What? You’ll Be Designing for Your Own Future


Time

11:00:00 to 12:00:00

Overview

Come learn how to create designs that work for a multi-generational workplace. ‘Cause let’s face it – we’re all aging, but as the old saying goes, it sure beats the alternative.

Presenter(s)

Linda Chadwick-Wirth
Linda Chadwick-Wirth

The Content Strategy of Civil Discourse: Turning Conflict into Collaboration


Time

12:00:00 to 13:00:00

Overview

You get the conversation you design for. This session with David Dylan Thomas will help you design a better one.

Presenter(s)

David Dylan Thomas
David Dylan Thomas

Designing for Trust: Our Opportunity, Our Responsibility


Time

13:00:00 to 14:00:00

Overview

Cynicism is easy—and it undermines user confidence, marketing, and trust. Join Margot Bloomstein to learn how IAs, designers, and writers can empower users, renew their trust, and maybe even save society itself.

Presenter(s)

Margot Bloomstein
Margot Bloomstein

Deconstructing Online Hate for Understanding with the Anti Defamation League (ADL)


Time

14:00:00 to 14:30:00

Overview

What does the landscape of online hate look like and how do you visualize it? Join Erin Malone as she talks about her project with ADL’s Center for Technology and Society to map the ecosystems of hate in digital social spaces.

Presenter(s)

Erin Malone
Erin Malone

How Information Architecture Can Save the World: IA of a Pandemic Response


Time

15:00:00 to 16:00:00

Overview

As COVID-19 gripped the world, instructions in public health orders were not Google-searchable. Anita Cheng will recount how IA helped save tens of thousands of lives in San Francisco, by bringing clarity and trust into the equation.

Presenter(s)

Sight & Foresight: Organizing Spatial Information for Predictive Visualization in Augmented Reality


Time

16:00:00 to 17:00:00

Overview

How can we organize spatial data to visualize and predict the future in 3D and Augmented Reality? Join Jordan Higgins to explore the future of immersive experience design.

Presenter(s)

Jordan Higgins
Jordan Higgins

Fireside Chat with Safiya U. Noble & Sarah T. Roberts


Time

17:00:00 to 18:15:00

Overview

Safiya Noble, author of Algorithms of Oppression, and Sarah Roberts, author of Behind the Screen: Content Moderation in the Shadows of Social Media, join a fireside chat to discuss challenges we face as information architects.


Presenter(s)

Game Night


Time

19:00:00 to 22:00:00

Overview

Board game night has been an IAC tradition for years. It’s a good way to socialize during the conference. It’s also a great way to discover new games.

We’ve selected seven games that are easy to learn, fun to play, and work well online: Codenames, Spyfall, FunEmployed, Skull, For Sale, Voodoo Prince, and Wavelength.

Volunteers will be available to teach any of these games.

We’ve made it easy. You don’t need to download any apps or create any accounts. All you need is your browser and a microphone. A webcam will help for some games. Then use your IAC registration to join game night in Remo.co

Or play your own games. If you already play games online with Board Game Arena or Tabletopia or some other platform, you can do that too. Just grab one of the open tables.

Presenter(s)

Karl Fast
Karl Fast
Nathan Rogers

April 30th, 2021

How IAs Can Shape the Future of Human-AI Collaboration


Time

11:00:00 to 12:00:00

Overview

AI systems’ internal logic can be hard to interpret. Carol Smith and Duane Degler will articulate the vital role that #IA plays in addressing the interactive, collaborative relationship between humans and AI, empowering people, fostering understanding.

Presenter(s)

Headshot of Carol Smith, a middle-aged, curly haired white woman, wearing glasses and a wry smile.
Carol J. Smith
Duane Degler

One is Not Enough: The Case for Separating Management and Delivery Information Architecture


Time

12:00:00 to 13:00:00

Overview

What happens when IA doesn’t support seamless multiple channel delivery? Catch Amber Swope and Edwina Lui’s talk, “One is Not Enough: The Case for Separating Management and Delivery Information Architecture.”

Presenter(s)

Amber Swope
Amber Swope
Edwina Lui
Edwina Lui

Polar Bear Try-athlon


Time

13:00:00 to 14:30:00

Overview

Are you ready to test your mind, body, and spirit? Do you dream of language, classification, and dangerous things? If so, you might be ready for this tryathlon led by the authors of the “polar bear book” (Jorge Arango, Lou Rosenfeld, Peter Morville) which features three stages:
  1. Wicked Questions (Jorge, Lou, and Peter interrogate each other about information architecture and the meaning of life for 30 mins in front of a live Zoom audience)
  2. Run, Bike, Pogo (You spend 30 mins exercising however you damn well please)
  3. Polar Bear Plunge (Sweaty people ask polar bears questions for 30 mins via Zoom; there is no guarantee that any or all authors will jump into a frigid body of water)
If you’re ready to emerge from winter hibernation and push your endurance beyond the limits, sign up now before you come to your senses. Registered attendees for the main conference will receive information about how to sign up for this event prior and throughout the conference in daily emails and on Discord.

Presenter(s)

Peter Morville
Peter Morville
Jorge Arango
Jorge Arango

Topic-oriented IA for the enterprise


Time

13:30:00 to 14:30:00

Overview

When you've got tens of millions of pages, stored in dozens of CMSs, managed by hundreds of organizations with no single oversight board, and you know the experience is broken...

How do you fix it? Where do you even begin? How do you reconcile the conflicting goals of multiple business units, of multiple kinds, with multiple disciplines and departments supporting different stages of the customer journey? How can they all act as a single company in service to the customer's needs, instead of a patchwork of competing org charts?

I'm happy to share my ludicrously ambitious work in progress - a topic-oriented information architecture based on data, managed with metadata, and scaled with AI to reorganize ibm.com around customer interests.


Presenter(s)

Michael Priestley
Michael Priestley

Group Mentoring, Day 3


Time

14:00:00 to 15:00:00

Overview

Whether you are senior-level or just starting a new UX career, there will be an opportunity to receive great mentorship from colleagues.

Sign up

Presenter(s)

There is No Average Person: Why Designing with Intersectionality in Mind is Critical.


Time

14:30:00 to 15:00:00

Overview

There is no average person. A look at the 150 year old myth of the average consumer and why designing with intersectionality in mind is critical.

This session will be in the Lounge.

Presenter(s)

Lee Dale

Creating an Information Architecture for a Complex Range of User Groups


Time

15:00:00 to 15:30:00

Overview

As more organizations rely on their digital services, information architects will be asked to take on more prominent roles in enhancing the CX for all audiences. Join Arpy Dragffy for Creating an information architecture for a complex range of user groups.

Presenter(s)

Arpy Dragffy
Arpy Dragffy

“Du” Good: How UXers Can Help Change Our Companies & Communities


Time

15:30:00 to 16:00:00

Overview

Clifton Simmons helps you stick to your commitment iterate social change. See how UXers have a unique way to do good.

Presenter(s)

Clifton Simmons
Clifton Simmons

Certain, Grown, Model – defining elderhood in Design


Time

16:00:00 to 17:00:00

Overview

What’s next in Design after 20 years? Learn to be Certain, Grown and a Model for the coming generations in this talk with Mags Hanley.

Presenter(s)

Mags Hanley

Closing Keynote – Kathy Sierra


Time

17:00:00 to 18:00:00

Overview

No description available


Presenter(s)

Kathy Sierra
Kathy Sierra

Sponsor IAC

We’re looking for organizations who share our commitment to building and sustaining programs that drive a more inclusive industry. Learn more on the Sponsor IAC23 page or contact us directly at info@theiaconference.com for more information.

Thanks to this year’s sponsors!

Logo for sponsor Optimal Workshop
Platinum sponsor
Optimal Workshop
Logo for sponsor Factor Firm
Gold sponsor
Factor Firm
Logo for sponsor Last Call Media
Silver sponsor
Last Call Media
Logo for sponsor Design for Context
Scholarship sponsor
Design for Context

Logo for sponsor A Book Apart
In-Kind sponsor
A Book Apart
Logo for sponsor Balsamiq
In-Kind sponsor
Balsamiq
Logo for sponsor MURAL
In-Kind sponsor
MURAL
Logo for sponsor Rosenfeld Media
In-Kind sponsor
Rosenfeld Media
Logo for sponsor UX Camp DC
Community sponsor
UX Camp DC
Logo for sponsor World IA Day
Community sponsor
World IA Day

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