World Information Architecture Day is a one-day celebration held every March 5 by volunteers in numerous locations to inspire global discussion about Information Architecture (IA) and its application in our everyday lives. It’s a day to learn about the structure of IA and how we can connect to make it easy for people to find, understand and use the information they need. Actually, we’re already involved in the practices of IA. For example, the web navigation that you see when you visit National Today is a practice of IA.
History of World Information Architecture Day
There are numerous definitions of information architecture depending on the field. Richard Saul Wurman, an architect, and a graphic designer, first used the word ‘information’ and ‘architecture’ together in 1976. According to Wurman, an information architect is “the individual who organizes the patterns inherent in data, making the complex clear; a person who creates the structure or map of information which allows others to find their personal paths to knowledge; the emerging 21st Century professional occupation addressing the needs of the age focused upon clarity, human understanding and the science of the organization of information.
From those definitions, we can conclude that IA is the arrangement of patterns essential in data to make complex information understandable. It is a structure or map of facts that enables people to search for the specific information they need. IA is also a means to address the needs of an era where clarity, human understanding, as well as the science of organizing information are the priority. It is the action of making information findable. One example is the web navigation on a website that helps us find specific information. Web navigation is not the same as IA, but it is one of the implementations of IA.
In a world where so much information is at our fingertips, IA can help us sort out which ones are credible and which are disinformation. It makes it easier for us to find relevant information that we need and to understand complex matters. It is the information architects’ task to make all those possible. One of the missions of World Information Architect Day is to build and connect a global community of advocates and practitioners of IA. So, be a part of this global community to promote the role of IA in different fields.
World Information Architecture Day timeline
Richard Saul Wurman, an architect, and a graphic designer, first uses the word ‘information’ and ‘architecture’ together.
The Information Architecture Institute (IA Institute) establish World Information Architecture Day.
World Information Architecture Day is held on February 22, in 61 cities, with the theme ‘The IA Element.’
World Information Architecture Day is held on March 5, with the theme ‘A Connected World.’
World Information Architecture Day FAQs
What is an example of information architecture?
Signage at airports or subway navigation maps is an example of how IA works in everyday life.
How do you become an information architect?
To become an information architect, you need to have experience in writing, graphic design, or web design, as well as formal training in at least one of those fields.
What are the main components of information architecture?
There are four main components of IA, including organization systems, labeling systems, navigation systems, and searching systems.
How to Observe World Information Architecture Day
Sign up and volunteer
World Information Architecture Day always provides volunteering opportunities, such as curating content, managing social media, and translating content. Sign up on their website to volunteer.
Join the community
World Information Architecture Day is more than just a once-a-year celebration. They also have various year-round events. Visit their site to join their Discord server.
Host a local event
World Information Architecture Day offers a chance for you to host a local event so that you can bring value to your community and raise awareness of the practice of IA. Find out more about this on their page.
5 Facts About Richard Saul Wurman
He has published many books
Wurman has published 100 books on various topics, such as football, healthcare, and the Olympic Games.
He graduated with the highest honors
Wurman graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with the highest honors in 1959.
He co-founded TED
Wurman co-founded TED with Harry Marks in February 1984 as a conference.
His wife is also an author
His wife, Gloria Nagy, is the internationally best-selling author of 12 books.
He co-authored Urban Atlas: 20 American Cities
“Urban Atlas: 20 American Cities,” the first comparative statistical atlas of major American cities, was co-authored by Wurman.
Why World Information Architecture Day is Important
It’s a chance to share vital knowledge
Held annually across the globe, it’s the best time to share knowledge and learn more about IA. Getting to interact with others in this field is a great opportunity to share perspectives.
It raises awareness
IA is an important thing to understand. It can help us sort out information, which sources are credible and which are disinformation, especially in today’s world.
It gives a chance to connect globally
World Information Architecture Day gives us an opportunity to connect with people and share information globally. This wide reach has a greater impact even at the community level.
World Information Architecture Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | March 5 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | March 5 | Thursday |
| 2027 | March 5 | Friday |
| 2028 | March 5 | Sunday |
| 2029 | March 5 | Monday |
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