The fields of Information Architecture, Interaction Design, and User Experience are disciplines that have created brilliant tools that allow people to share ideas; experiences; and content in meaningful ways.

The argument over definitions and which tools are still relevant or valuable are a colossal waste of energy and time.

To argue for or against a tool within any of these disciplines is to assume that each person for whom we’re creating solutions thinks; behaves; and organizes the world (real and virtual) in precisely the same way. (You don’t need a PhD in Neurology to know this is simply not true!)

In short, you’re all a bunch of tools! All you Information Architects, Usability Experts, Interaction Designers – you all have tremendous value; the secret is in taking the time to learn from one another; including those outside of our own field of study.

I don’t get caught up in my title as an Information Architect. I didn’t use any IA tools or techniques when building a Microsoft Certified Training program for an e-learning company a few years back. Nor did I use any IA tools or techniques when building a National training strategy for a Federal Government client. And I certainly didn’t use any IA tools or techniques when facilitating a two-day seminar with Directors from across Canada.

And yet when people ask me what I do for a living, I tell them:

“I’m an Information Architect. I help people think about how to structure things so they can find everything they need, whenever they need it.”

I label myself as an IA because the tools that make up the discipline have been the most effective in allowing me to help people create a clear picture for what they or their clients require.

Podcasting isn’t a defined “tool” for any of these disciplines yet through the generosity of organizations such as Boxes and Arrows, and Adaptive Path, I’ve had the pleasure over the past two years of learning from and sharing ideas with subject matter experts in multiple disciplines from around the world!

In an effort to lead by example, along with both the i.a. podcast and the boxes and arrows podcast, I’m helping build The UX Workhsop. I would encourage you to share your initial thoughts on the concept with us; even if you don’t label yourself an IA, IxD, or UX professional.

A collaborative video from friends and colleagues in the United States, South Africa, Germany, India, Australia, and yours truly in Canada, will be published in the next couple of weeks. If you’re interested in sharing your ideas, experiences, or even tools that you’ve found success with, we’d love to hear from you!