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Learning, practicing, and evolving the discipline of Information Architecture across global communities |
The World Information Architecture Association (WIAA) exists to:
- Build and connect a global community of IA advocates and practitioners
- Promote the role of Information Architecture in different fields
- Provide resources for learning and professional development
- Engage IA academics and professionals in research and development
The World Information Architecture Association (WIAA) exists to advance the discipline of Information Architecture. We champion the critical role of IA in creating meaning and understanding in a world of increasing information complexity. Through education, community building, and shared practice, we empower individuals and organizations to create information environments that are easily accessible, understandable, and actionable.
We want a world where people can easily find and use information they need. We believe in making complex information clear. Our goal is to build spaces—both online and in real life—where information makes sense and helps people. We work toward a future where finding information feels easy instead of frustrating, and where everyone can navigate the growing sea of information in their daily lives.
Making the complex clear and the confusing understandable
Information architecture is the practice of organizing and structuring information to make it findable, understandable, and useful. It's like creating a map that helps people find what they need without getting lost. When information is well-organized—on websites, in apps, or even in buildings—people can use it better to navigate complexity and accomplish their goals at ease.
As information continues to grow and change in our world, so does our understanding of information architecture.
Explore how IA has evolved and why its definition continues to develop →
WIAA is a global community of educators, students, practitioners, and enthusiasts united by a passion for improving how humans interact with information. From coffee shops to university auditoriums across continents, our members are organizing grassroots events and building the future of information architecture one community at a time.
Founded on the principle that information should be structured to meet human needs, WIAA serves as the central hub for advancement, education, and application of information architecture principles worldwide. We believe that thoughtful information architecture is essential to solving many of today's most pressing challenges—from improving digital accessibility to combating misinformation.
Through our network spanning six continents, WIAA fosters local communities while maintaining global connections. We support the growth of Information Architecture as both an academic discipline and practical craft by:
- Organizing events like World IA Day that bring our community together
- Connecting diverse perspectives across cultures and disciplines
- Supporting educational initiatives, research, and innovation in Information Architecture
- Advocating for human-centered approaches to information design
Whether you're a seasoned professional, a curious student, or simply someone who cares about how information shapes our world, WIAA offers a place to learn, contribute, and grow in your understanding of information architecture.
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| Name | Description | Link | |
|---|---|---|---|
| World IA Day | Community-organized events worldwide to share knowledge and build professional relationships | World IA Day | |
| World IA Cafe | Regular virtual seminars sharing talks and learning opportunities for professionals at all career stages | World IA Cafe | |
| State of IA | Research initiative tracking trends, challenges, and opportunities to understand the evolving landscape of information architecture | State of Information Architecture | |
| Taxonomy Talk | A Discord community and speaker series exploring real-world taxonomy implementations, best practices, and emerging trends | Taxonomy Talk | |
| IA Content Collection | A developing collection of presentations, talks, and artifacts from World IA Day, World IA Cafe, and other WIAA events | Content Collection |
World IA Day began in 2012 as a project under the Information Architecture Institute (IAI), but when the Institute dissolved, the global community rallied to preserve what mattered most: the grassroots nature of local events connecting IA practitioners worldwide. This community-driven spirit led to the establishment of the World IA Association as an independent entity in 2019, ensuring these valuable connections and knowledge-sharing opportunities would continue to thrive.
Learn more about our evolution →
WIAA thrives through the dedication of our globally diverse leadership team. With board members spanning 5 continents, our leadership brings together perspectives from across the Information Architecture community worldwide.
This global, community-driven governance ensures WIAA's initiatives remain relevant and accessible to practitioners across different cultures, contexts, and career stages. Board members often begin their WIAA journey as local World IA Day organizers, bringing valuable insights from their regional communities to our global initiatives.
Meet our Global Board of Directors →
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