Architecture + info + graphics = ~Great Design.
I’d like to talk for a moment briefly on the lack of understanding on information structure and architecture that I seem to be encountering lately. It’s quite possible that it is only within my visible range or it actually is a problem in Canada. I have a high feeling that it is the later.
Scientists believe that everything can be explained by math, logic and equations. Oddly enough some artists believe, as well as religious communities that there is more to our world than that. My thoughts tend to lean to the former. There is an equation, or rule if you will, that defines that makes something great or better than others. In one person’s life, greatness tends to be defined by what thy were good at and whether they reached their goals and was able to influence others in a positive way in their lives. One of life’s greatest mysteries is the Golden Ratio. Anything resembling this ratio when divided into parts tends to be more highly regarded.
Enough about the small talk, my point here is that web design is a ratio and balance. There does exist a Golden ratio between the quality of time and effort of information architecture and web design. Web designers need a strong foundation of information, ideas, and writing or order to be able to translate the message into a graphical representation. When the message is unclear at the start. It doesn’t matter how many times you ask to re-mock and mock. The result will always be he same fuzzy message that you provided to the designer. At the same time, I also realize the number of designers out there the are unaware of what information architecture is and how it affects their work. If you are one of those designers I highly suggest doing some reading on it.
Remember the equation to great design includes information architecture as well as graphics. More on this equation and the full process to come in the future as this blog develops. Any feedback on my thoughts thus far is always welcome!
