Information Architecture for the rest of the World

"One of the challenges facing designers today is how to engage with emerging markets and rapidly developing economies. Well over half of the global population lives and works in these countries and technology is rapidly diffusing into their everyday lives.

Information architects have always had an essential role in providing access to information and services. Emerging markets have an enormous need for this access - but also a range of constraints that make it hard for designers to deliver effective IA.

Why has the rest of the world missed out on IA? What makes us fail to understand the needs of most of the global population? What opportunities have we missed by avoiding emerging markets? How can information architecture help the illiterate or innumerate? Is it even possible to design for
‘everyone’? Why should information architects care about the rest of the world? How and why should we use persuasive design to help emerging markets succeed?"

Miles Rochford's recent talk at the IA Summit in Memphis was a huge hit and he will be giving the UKUPA highlights from this as well as highlights from Interactions09.

He hopes to help information architects understand the opportunities presented by emerging markets, and the role IA can play in development and growth. He will also discuss tools and techniques for creating globally relevant IA, alongside real-world examples of IA in emerging markets.

About the Speaker...
Miles Rochford has been designing interactive experiences for more than fifteen years, and has been an information architect for over six years.

He has worked on projects for government, non-profit, corporate and startup clients based in the United States, Europe and Australia. He specialises in service design, spatial data and mobile delivery
- from systems to map toilets across Australia to keeping track of scientific vessels in the Antarctic.

He is now at Nokia Design, based in London, where he has been undertaking research into service opportunities for emerging markets in Asia, Africa and South America. As a Design Specialist in the Service and UI Design team, he develops service and interface concepts for future Nokia products and services.

*****************************************************************

There is no charge for UPA members only.

For non-members the cost is £10, and for student non-members £5 - payable at the door (hence the event appearing 'free' above!)

UK UPA Events Page