Xander Roozen joins WIAA as Co-President
The World Information Architecture Association (WIAA) is excited to announce the appointment of Xander Roozen as the new Co-President. Xander started his term officially on July 20, 2024.
We asked him to write a short introduction.
In May 2024, I decided to apply for the position of co-president of WIAA, the organization behind World IA Day. Here’s why.
Fostering a Local and Global Community
My involvement with WIAA/D wasn’t new. Over the years, I participated in various World IA Day events in different capacities, from visitor and presenter to organiser and board member. What always stood out to me at these WIAD gatherings was the passion and energy of both the audience and the speakers.
The diverse mix of attendees, ranging from seasoned taxonomists to newcomers exploring the field, created a welcoming atmosphere at World IA Day events. The organization’s focus on accessibility, with no need for fancy venues or expensive tickets, truly makes it an event for a global yet local community.
Attending these events, I’ve had the privilege of hearing a range of voices sharing compelling stories about structuring information. These narratives underscore the ongoing importance and complexity of information architecture, a field that is constantly evolving and challenging.
While the unique characteristics of WIAD events are commendable, as noted by Andrea Rosenbusch, there can be challenges in maintaining continuity within a dynamic community.
Looking Ahead to Events in 2024 and Beyond
In the post-pandemic world, organizing in-person conferences has become increasingly challenging for events and summits worldwide. Economic uncertainties, inflation, and shifting design landscapes, including information architecture, present additional hurdles for event organizers.
Information architecture, with its rich history and extensive scope, plays a crucial role in organizing the world around us. From classic classification systems to modern design methodologies, the field continues to evolve in response to emerging societal and technological challenges.
WIAA’s State of IA research highlights the ongoing need for awareness and education within and beyond the information architecture field. By leveraging the core principles of IA, we can develop innovative approaches to navigate the ever-changing landscape of our field.
As we prepare for the upcoming World IA Day on March 5th, 2025, themed around exploring the challenges of change, it’s clear that adaptation and growth are essential in the field of information architecture.
Every Day is World IA Day
I am sincerely thankful to Grace Lau and Andrea Rosenbusch for entrusting me with this opportunity.
On behalf of WIAA, I am committed to nurturing and expanding the IA community of practice. With initiatives like the World IA Day starter kit supporting initiators in the preparation, the World IA Cafe, educational programs, and ongoing research, we aim to transform World IA Day into a year-round program.
Whether you join us in person in March, attend a World IA Cafe session, or engage in the State of IA research, I look forward to connecting with you and exchanging ideas and insights about information architecture.
If you’re interested in contributing to WIAD2025, the call for locations is now open.
