IA Library
Introduction to IA
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There are 34 Tools in the library.
クリエイティブ ブリーフ (Creative Brief) 
by Erin Malone (9/2003)
Subject: Business Context, Process & Techniques
Language: Japanese
Note: Translated from English
Available Translations:
English at iainstitute.org/tools/download/CreativeBrief.doc
Case Study: Digital Web Redesign 
by Christina Wodtke
Subject: Design, Disciplines, Experience Design, Tools & Technology
Language: English
Abstract:
Content Development Spreadsheet 
by John Howe (2/6/2004)
Subject: Content Management
Language: English
Available Translations:
Português at aifia.org/pt/translations/john-howe_desenvolvimento-de-conteudo.xls
Content Inventory Spreadsheet
by Sarah Rice (4/19/2004)
Subject: Content Management
Language: English
Content Inventory/Site Map Tool
by Patrick Walsh
Subject: Content Management, Tools & Technology
Language: English
Abstract: Patrick Walsh, presents a Content Inventory/Site Map tool, utilizing a unique cartography-inspired content mapping approach. The Word document gives an explanation on how the map might be constructed and the Visio document contains the customised "Metro" stencil.
Patrick describes his approach in a recent Boxes and Arrows article.
Content Inventory/Site Map Visio Stencil (VDX) (117 KB)
Content Value Analysis (CVA)
by Patrick Walsh
Subject: Content Management, Tools & Technology
Language: English
Abstract: Patrick Walsh of BBC, presents Content Value Analysis (CVA). CVA is based on a quality sampling process that been implemented successfully for many decades. CVA is easy to implement and will not take too much resource as the recommended sample sizes are not onerous e.g. for a site with a 1,000 pages the sample size is 75 pages while for a site with 15,000 its only 135. CVA will allow you to benchmark content value across sites and assess content trends over time.
Also available at: iainstitute.org/documents/tools/CVA_Record.xls
Core+Path Template
by James Kalbach, Karen Lindemann (8/20/2012)
Subject: Information Architecture - Practices, Navigation, Process & Techniques
Language: English
Abstract: This PDF outlines the Core+Path Methology proposed by
James Kalbach and Karen Lindemann.
If you can place your core offering firmly at the center
of your design, then all other elements in the site help
both the users and the business reach their goals.
Kalbach and Lindemann show how the Core+Paths
method keeps the design focused on your goals.
Creative Brief
by Erin Malone, Peter Morville, Lou Rosenfeld (9/2003)
Subject: Business Context, Information Architecture - General
Language: English
Available Translations:
Japanese at iainstitute.org/translations/CreativeBrief-JP.doc
Desenvolvimento de Conteudo
by John Howe (2/6/2004)
Subject: Content Management
Language: Português
Available Translations:
English at aifia.org/tools/download/HoweContentTool.xls
Design Review Checksheets
by Erin Malone (9/5/2003)
Subject: Design, Information Architecture - Practices, Process & Techniques
Language: English
Abstract: Useful checksheets with questions for consideration by the design team and reviewers when reviewing work at different stages of the process. There is a checksheet for Concept review, UI/interaction design review and Visual design review. Has space indicated for approvals and signature sign off by selected approvers. These sheets are great for tracking the progress and making sure key people approve and sign off on each step.
Design Review Process
by Erin Malone (9/5/2003)
Subject: Design, Information Architecture - General, Process & Techniques
Language: English
Abstract: A template to capture the dates in the Design Review Process and key milestones and stakeholders.
Design Scope
by Erin Malone (9/5/2003)
Subject: Design, Information Architecture - General, Process & Techniques
Language: English
Abstract: The Design Scope template should outline the general aims and goals of the project design and lists the major deliverables and milestones. To be completed by the experience design team lead.
EightShapes Unify
by Dan Brown (2009)
Subject: Guides & Collections, Information Architecture - Practices, Process & Techniques
Language: English
Abstract: EightShapes Unify is a collection of templates, libraries, and other assets that enable user experience designers to create more consistent, effective deliverables faster. The system utilizes the Adobe Creative Suite of products; primarily, Adobe InDesign is the key authoring tool.
The system is often used by designers – and larger user experience teams – to rapidly produce artifacts like design strategy, wireframes, style guides, specs, and more.
fluidIA
by Jakub Linowski
Subject: Interface Design, Prototyping, Tools & Technology
Language: English
Abstract: Fluid Information Architecture? fluidIA is an emerging agile design tool for prototyping rich user interfaces. The big idea behind this experiment is whether we as interaction designers, IAs, UX professionals and developers can create our own and better prototyping tool. Provided with access to an open design and open source process
IA Toolbox
Subject: Information Architecture - General, Information Architecture - Practices
Language: English
Abstract: A set of information architecture tools and templates
including basic concepts, analysis, user exploration and
documentation.
Introduction to IA Brochures
by Victor Lombardi, Dan Willis (11/27/2003)
Subject: Classics, Information Architecture - General
Language: English
Abstract: Two brochures that help explain information architecture to business and technical people. A full color 6x8 inch version is suitable for printing as postcards, and an 8.5x11 inch black and white version can be printed on any printer. Both are covered by a creative commons license and can be modified to suit your needs.
Also available at: iainstitute.org/documents/tools/IAforBizAndTech_6x8.pdf
Omnigraffle Stencils from Michael Angeles
by Michael Angeles (8/11/2004)
Subject: Wireframes
Language: English
Abstract: Michael Angeles created a set of basic wireframe shapes (low-fidelity web page schematics) for OmniGraffle (Mac OS X). It consists of a basic set of shapes including: browser chrome, title and footer block, icons, form elements, a greeked text block, text headings, some boxes, label and note blocks, navigation elements, and some icons created entirely in graffle.
Omnigraffle Stencils from Paper Plane
by Rich Fulcher, Bryce Glass, Matt Leacock (8/11/2004)
Subject: Flow Charts, Process & Techniques, Site Blueprints
Language: English
Abstract: Paper Plane has created a set of IA stencils for OmniGraffle. They are optimized for OmniGraffle version 3.0, but will work with version 2.0 upwards. Complete installation instructions and additional examples are available from the Paper Plane website. The stencil shapes themselves were created by Matt Leacock, Bryce Glass and Rich Fulcher.
Patternry: UI Design Patterns and Library Builder (2011)
Subject: Interface Design, Patterns
Language: English
Abstract: Patternry is a Web design pattern library where you can
find solutions to your design challenges. It is also a tool for
organizations to document, share, and collaborate on
design patterns. (The UI pattern library is free to copy,
reuse and adapt, under Creative Commons license. There is
a charge for the builder.)
Personas
by Olga Howard, Patrick Walsh
Subject: Content Management, Personas, Tools & Technology
Language: English
Abstract: Olga Howard produced a persona tool, showing a presona development process and sample diagram.
Project Overview
by Erin Malone (9/5/2002)
Subject: Design, Information Architecture - General, Project Management
Language: English
Abstract: A template to be completed by the experience design team lead in preparation of or as an attached document to Product Requirements documents. Information should be filled in to give an overview to project team who may be new to the project.
Reframer (Beta Version)
by Todd Warfel (10/7/2011)
Subject: Evaluation & Analysis, Information Architecture - Practices, Research Methods
Language: English
Abstract: Who knew quantifying business decisions could be this easy? Reframer unlocks the potential in your unstructured data with a real-time, collaborative, value and feasibility based decision engine.
Shades of Gray: Wireframes as Thinking Device
by Will Evans (1/2009)
Subject: Process & Techniques, Wireframes
Language: English
Abstract: Russ Unger, author of an upcoming book for Peachpit entitled, A Project Guide to UX Design, asked Will Evans to contribute some designs for a chapter on wireframing. The result was a set of annotated wireframes for a fictitious cruise-line operator home page and a brief explanation of the process.
This is the unabridged write-up explaining the use of wireframes as a thinking device in the design process.
Site Map Template
by Marcia Stanton, John Stuckey
Subject: Tools & Technology
Language: English
Abstract:
Springloops
Subject: Tools & Technology, Web Development
Language: English
Abstract: Springloops is a unique source code management tool focused on web development teams. It allows you to code in parallel and share your code safely concentrated on results, not on lost changes or overwritten files. You get rapid collaboration in protected space. Thanks to the project management perspective it serves the getting things done attitude. Moreover, Springloops reduces repeatable activities in your day-to-day work.
Task Analysis Grid
by Todd Warfel
Subject: Content Management, Scenario Development, Tools & Technology
Language: English
Abstract: Todd Warfel submitted templates for a Task Analysis Grid. Used as an alternative to a requirements document, the Task Analysis Grid is a powerful visual tool showing stakeholders scenarios and prioritized tasks to address during product development. An Illustrator version, offered in ZIP or Stuff-It, prints in large format (6 by 10 foot).
User Requirements with LEGO
by Lorenzo Cantoni, Michael Faré, Elisabetta Frick (5/2011)
Subject: End Users, Guidelines & Best Practices, Information Architecture - General
Language: English
Abstract: IA Institute member and Indiana University Assistant
Professor in Human-Computer Interaction, Davide Bolchini,
has alerted us to a new, freely available and exciting
design tool which his team has developed.
URL - User Requirements with LEGO
by Lorenzo Cantoni, Marco Faré and Elisabetta Frick
University of Lugano, Switzerland.
User Requirements with Lego (URL) is a methodology to
elicit IA user requirements for web, communication-
intensive applications. As an extension of the Lego Serious
Play method, URL supports the definition of IA and content
strategies in online communication, by helping in the
elicitation of user requirements for web applications.
In particular, URL helps in finding tacit, difficult to grasp
communicative requirements that usually do not emerge
with other methodologies. For this reason, URL has to be
intended as an additional methodology, used besides
formal and structured strategies (such as interviews, focus
groups, etc.) to find and define user requirements.
URL helps also in team building, enabling designers and
stakeholders in few hours to share a common
understanding of the online communication project. And
the ongoing IA project design documentation is a physical,
tangible LEGO landscape!
URL has been used with companies in Europe and multiple
stakeholders in large web projects. Try out the full, open
access guide in your next web project.
UX Health Check
by Austin Govella, Livia Labate (3/22/2009)
Subject: Business Context, Experience Design, Tools & Technology
Language: English
Abstract: The Health Check is technique for User Experience professionals to express the quality of a product or service’s experience and convey it in terms that are familiar to business stakeholders, creating a common ground for discussion and exploration.
Note: Presented at IA Summit 2009 Poster Session
Wireframe Stencils
by Garrett Dimon (9/20/2005)
Subject: Information Architecture - Practices, Wireframes
Language: English
Also available at: iainstitute.org/documents/tools/GarrettDimon_IA_Stencil_2002.vss
Wireframe Template 
by Garrett Dimon (9/25/2005)
Subject: Information Architecture - Practices, Wireframes
Language: English
Also available at: iainstitute.org/documents/tools/GarrettDimon_Wireframes_2002.vsd
Wireframes Templates - Cavazza 
by Frederic Cavazza, Scott Hill (4/9/2004)
Subject: Information Architecture - General, Wireframes
Language: English
Abstract: 
CavazzaWireframe.ppt (120 kb)
CavazzaWireframe.pdf (496 kb)
Wireframes Templates - Gene Smith
by Gene Smith (3/26/2004)
Subject: Wireframes
Language: English
Abstract: SmithWireframe.vst (147 kb)
SmithWireframe.vdx (1 MB, for importing into Omnigraffle)
SmithWireframe.pdf (11 kb, for viewing or importing into Illustrator)
Wireframes Templates - Todd Zaki Warfel (4/2/2004)
Subject: Wireframes
Language: English
Abstract: Illustrator: WarfelWireframe.ai (660 kb)
PDF: WarfelWireframe.pdf (5.1 MB)
Wireframes Templates - Victor Lombardi
by Victor Lombardi (3/25/2004)
Subject: Wireframes
Language: English
Abstract: Templates used in creating wireframes are available for your use.
LombardiWireframe.vst (177 kb, for Visio)
LombardiWireframe.vdx (754 kb, for importing into Omnigraffle)
LombardiWireframe.pdf (16 kb, for viewing or importing into Illustrator)
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