How to Make Sense of Any Mess by Abby Covert A practical guide focused on understanding and organizing complex information and systems through the lens of information architecture. --- Front Matter Dedication About this book Introduction Acknowledgements --- Chapter 1: Identify the Mess Messes consist of people and information. Information architecture is everywhere, dealing with complexity. Information is architected to serve different needs and is distinct from data or content. Users and stakeholders add complexity. Knowing the problem is the first step. Exercises include meeting fictional characters and drawing your own mess. --- Chapter 2: State Your Intent Intent is expressed through language and shapes the approach. Goodness varies by perspective; authenticity matters more than appearance. Clear communication is critical to retaining meaning. Understanding who matters and why is foundational. Begin by stating your intent clearly and choosing words carefully. Personal stories illustrate intent-setting. --- Chapter 3: Face Reality Confronting reality aids in solving problems. Reality involves many players, factors, and contexts beyond initial views. Explore tools and diagrams to map reality, such as: Block Diagram Flow Diagram Gantt Chart Quadrant Diagram Venn Diagram Swim Lane Diagram Hierarchy Diagram Mind Map Schematic Journey Map Practice diagramming to visualize and understand complexity. --- Chapter 4: Choose a Direction Move from why to what you are making. Work at varying levels that impact each other. Focus on creating "places" and understanding the "spaces" between them. Language shapes understanding; reducing linguistic insecurity is key. Understand your existing ontology and design with, not for users. Define terms, consider history, and analyze relationships between nouns and verbs. Control vocabulary to clarify direction. --- Chapter 5: Measure the Distance There’s always a gap between intent and reality. Goals focus perspective; measuring progress is as important as success. Use indicators, baselines, and flags to track movement toward goals. Accept fuzziness and rhythm in measurement. Engage with worksheets for data gathering. Set goals and continually measure to stay aligned. --- Chapter 6: Play with Structure Multiple ways to structure information exist. Taxonomy defines how we arrange things; combinations create unique forms. Sorting decisions affect clarity and flexibility; ambiguity is often hidden. Use facets (classification lenses) to handle complexity. Taxonomies may be hierarchical, heterarchical, sequential; hypertexts link them. Most systems require mixed taxonomy approaches. Practice identifying structures and patterns. --- Chapter 7: Prepare to Adjust Adjustments are natural and necessary. Team alignment is crucial; consensus can be hard but essential. Deeper conversations uncover real issues beyond surface appearances. Multiple stakeholders add complexity. Make room for information architecture despite lack of external recognition. Act as a filter to manage complexity. It is hard work, but ultimately rewarding. --- Additional Resources Table of Contents Indexed Lexicon Information Architecture Resources Option to buy the book via Abby Covert’s site. --- © 2022 Abby Covert Book cover and purchase link included on the site. --- This summary captures the core concepts and chapter breakdown for organizing and navigating complex "messes" through information architecture, emphasizing intent, reality, measurement, structure, and adjustment.