Show me your book collection, and I’ll tell you who you are

During 2005 the Norwegian IA Meetup group ”Oslo Information Architecture MeetUp Group” became ”UXnet-MeetUp”. However, from what I can tell, the members are pretty much the same. So – what’s in a name, you might ask? I think you can tell from the recent meeting they had. It was very interesting and a good idea; a ”guide to the book jungle”. Members would bring and recommend their favorite books. Our friends in Oslo brought and recommended books focusing on UX, design usability, wayfinding, and tools and tips for the consultant. (Full list on Are Halland's blog). No books on technology, content management, LIS, XML/SGML or enterprise (information) architecture.

I’m not very familiar with UXnet. The mission statement says:

"UXnet was formed to help make connections between the people and organizations that represent User Experience disciplines, and to encourage interchange and cooperation..."

Not much different from IAI's, however with a somewhat broader focus. Some would argue an other focus. The main difference perhaps is the fact that UXnet has local chapters, and ”…is aimed at fulfilling UXnet's mission at a grass roots level”.

I must admit all these umbrella organizations confuse me. And I find my self asking: ”What can they do for me?”. Basically I’m interested in meeting my colleagues once a month. MeetUp is perfect for that.

But what about the pan European community? What would it take to build, cement, and maintain this? Do we really need a formal organization like e.g. IAI, UXnet, ASIS&T, CM Pros, UPA or IIID? I don’t think so. A web site with a forum or a BBS and a mailing list ought to be enough. My concern is, that if we had a pan European “Guide to the book jungle” people would bring all sorts of books. Luckily! But it would make it difficult to establish a meaningful organization that could embody everyone. Certainly none of the existing (North American) organizations are broad enough to embrace a European IA community, not preoccupied with defining the damn thing.

Comments

[Stig Andersen]

Hi Lou,

Thank you for your comment.

I’m not comparing IAI and UXnet as organizations, but their overall mission statements. Part of UXnet’s mission statement is quoted. Part of IAI’s reads that IAI:

”... serves to advance the design of shared information environments. We support a global community infrastructure that connects people, ideas, content, and tools. Through research, education, advocacy and community service, we promote excellence within our field and build bridges to related disciplines and organizations.”

I think it’s fair to say, that they’re not far apart.

I regret if my reflections give you a feeling of being stereotyped. You’re probably right, that when ever we use terms like ”Europeans” and/or ”Americans”, we end up stigmatizing each other. It goes without saying, that there are probably many IA’s in North America who doesn’t bother defining IA. And IA’s in other regions who find it very satisfying. Still – I find it difficult to express myself, if I should make these disclaimers every now and then.

Back on topic, Lou; in your opinion, what does it take to build and cement a pan European community? Do we really need yet another organization?

[Lou]

Stig, so it's clear: UXnet is not like the IAI at all (as a founder of both, I think I can say this). UX is not a field, IA is. UXnet is not a membership organization, IAI is. UXnet doesn't put on events or compete with established associations in any way. UXnet does not have local chapters, but local "ambassadors": people who work in a community to help share information about events and local groups. Connective tissue if you will. More to come on UXnet soon; please take a second look and I hope it'll be clearer...

And unfortunately, you're stereotyping us North Americans. I for one am a very high profile North American information architect who has publicly stated for years that defining the damn thing is pointless and even counterproductive (see http://www.boxesandarrows.com/view/_not_defining_the_damn_thing if you don't believe me). It's frustrating and quite disappointing to be stereotyped, not to mention counter-productive in all senses of the word.