Using Ontological Thinking to Solve Complex Information Challenges

Cost

$675 USD

This workshop will provide participants an opportunity to learn about the fundamentals, techniques, and practical application of ontological thinking. Ontological thinking is an information science-based practical way to help practitioners analyze, describe, and organize complex information problems.

Ontological thinking is a valuable skill for information professionals as it can enhance information organisation, findability & retrieval (search, navigation, filter), interoperability, knowledge management, data integration, and ux design. It also aligns with the growing importance of semantics in the digital age.

In a series of talks, hands-on activities, and interesting case studies from small ux projects to enterprise knowledge management, attendees will learn about ontology in theory, practice, and action. Most of all, we will have fun together as we learn!

Following participation in the workshop, practitioners and leaders at any level will be able to confidently work with ontological thinking to create ontological products, effectively meet business and design challenges, and successfully navigate ever-increasing complexity in information spaces. Furthermore, they will also be part of a diverse and connected community of ontological thinkers.

Jessica DuVerneay

Jess is a Principal Consultant and emerging fractional leader. Prior, Jess was the Director of Design at RS21 and lead user experience research, strategy, information architecture, user experience (UX) design, information visualization, and user interface (UI & Ix) design. She prides herself on being humorous, smart, organized, dependable, and down-to-earth.

Leading and scaling cross-functional teams that turn strategy into logical, useful, human-centered processes and products is her favorite thing to do. She has 15+ years of experience in the Ux/IA/information design field, has been leading teams of designers for 8+ years, and has been transforming organizations most of her life. Her product focuses are in complex information spaces, processes, systems, and tools for experts. She lead the first World IA Day, co-chaired the 2015 IA Summit, and frequently speaks at UX/IA conferences.

Jess has worked with clients and led project teams in complex and diverse information domains including:

-State Governments and Local Municipalities (State of New Mexico, State of Colorado, State of Montana, Albuquerque, NM, Ann Arbor, MI and Santa Monica, CA)
-Federal government (FEMA, CISA, DHS, NRMC)
-Healthcare (Humana, Metro Hospital, TrueHealth, UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center)
-Research Institutions (NASA, Sandia National Labs, Air Force Research Labs, Idaho National Labs, Lawrence Livermore National Lab)
-Universities (University of Michigan and Curtin University, Australia)
-Private Industry (NFL, Cisco Systems, Herman Miller, Plante Moran, TechStreet / Thompson Reuters, Marsh McClennan, Kirkland Ellis, Duke University Press)

Ren Pope

Ren is the Chief Enterprise Architect for the State of California. In this capacity, he is the executive that leads the Office of Enterprise Architecture for the California Department of Technology. Ren is responsible for the state’s architectural framework that describes California’s technology and business activities. He drives digital transformation and evaluates the adoption of new technology for the state to ensure that it meets the needs of the state government and the citizens of California.

Ren has 30 years of experience in the information and technology professions. He has held leadership positions in the federal and state governments as well as industry. Ren is a veteran of the United States Air Force where he served as a commissioned officer. He held several positions in the Air Force, to include commanding two Squadron Sections, and the Operations Officer for the Nation’s Warfighting Network.