A blog about information architecture and design, by Chris Sainsbury

I draw boxes

Information Architecture

Structuring my presence on the web

July 9th, 2008

Since I started I draw boxes I’ve realised that I’d like to have more on my website than just information architecture resources. Which leads me to wonder what the best way to structure my site is. Read more »

Should IAs be involved thoughout the web development process?

July 7th, 2008

A fundamental question for me relating to the information architect role is how we fit in to and interact with the wider web team, and to what extent IAs should be involved throughout the web process. Read more »

First impressions of Axure software

June 19th, 2008

I’ve spent the afternoon installing and reading about Axure web prototyping software. It takes Visio functionality to the next level, by adding the ability to define and output complex interactivity and AJAX-style controls. Read more »

Wireframes are simply facilitators for discussion

June 16th, 2008

The title of this article should really be: IA documentation is simply a facilitator for discussions. And the key point is this: in a web project we’re all (as a team) trying to develop a set of complex shared understandings about what this product will be and how it will work. As long as the IA documentation helps us do this in the most effective way, that is all that matters. Read more »

Good books

June 16th, 2008

Two books that have changed the way I look at design. Read more »

Yes/no questions: dropdown, radio buttons or checkbox?

June 12th, 2008

Today I came across a dropdown menu in a web form for a yes/no question, and it didn’t sit well with me. Far too much for the user to think about when making their choice.

To enable the user to express a preference in this way you could use:

  • Radio buttons
  • A checkbox
  • A dropdown menu

Read more »

Raison d’être

May 30th, 2008

So this is my first post…

I’m not sure what this site will develop in to - if anything (useful). But I’ve created it because I think it’s important to share ideas relating to making and planning web sites. Information architecture is such a new and evolving discipline, I wanted to get involved in the community to let other know what it is to me, and to find out what it is to them. Read more »

About I draw boxes

I draw boxes is a blog by Chris Sainsbury about information architecture, interaction design and user experience design.

It's a forum for discussion on the best ways of planning and organising web sites and other digital products.

Often this planning process involves drawing boxes on bits of paper and annotating them to communicate ideas. Hence the name.

Please read this site's raison d’être for more information.