Architecture in UX Discipline
An architect has his field of activity mainly in so-called high-rise buildings. That means he plans, for example, residential buildings, commercial buildings, and schools. He not only works on the planning but also on the actual execution and monitoring of the construction plans. This combination of both technical and design aspects shows that architects partly combine characteristics of the engineering profession, but also of the visual arts. His tasks therefore not only include constructing a beautiful house, but also one that is statically and economically flawless. For this, an architect needs a pronounced mathematical and technical understanding, because without this know-how he cannot calculate his designs and check the feasibility.
Architecture is not just construction: it includes the search for creative solutions in the field of tension between construction, the satisfaction of living and working needs, aesthetic objectives, and the preservation of a built environment that is worth living in. The entire art of architecture is generally based on three principles: stability, usefulness, and grace/beauty. All three categories must be given equal and equal consideration. We also use these three determining factors to design the respective object individually and with the highest demands on function and appearance.
Architects analyze existing building and settlement structures. Based on this, they create a draft that they present to the client. In doing so, they must be able to justify their architectural interventions well. Often they also take on construction management tasks in the implementation phase. Today the following points are particularly important :
- Architecture has to follow a line
- simple outlines of the buildings
- inconspicuous proportions
- simple windows and doors
- Differences due to colored and structured plaster
- small-area roof tiles
Qualifications & skills of the architect
A general interest in science and art is essential for a career as an architect. Creative ideas and initiative play just as important a role in the field of activity as the necessary mathematical and physical understanding. In the architect's profession, individual and teamwork are combined as well as creative and scientific work.
As an architect, you also take on a great responsibility for the safety of the building construction, so that concentration and accuracy in the work process are necessary skills. Dealing with customers and responding to their wishes also requires interpersonal skills, as does later cooperation with construction companies.
In the workplace, it is important to maintain determination and accuracy even in stressful situations, as the project deadlines must be adhered to. Another important quality is problem-solving skills, as some structural engineering difficulties require innovative thinking and clever ideas.
What are the tasks of an architect?
The main task of an architect is the planning and execution of construction projects. To do this, he must pay particular attention to aspects such as economy, statics and building technology, functionality, but also to things such as building law, such as fire protection and ecological regulations. An architect has to create models based on the client's ideas for illustration and further economic planning. In addition, the architect creates the necessary drawings for building planning.
These are the tasks of an architect
- Planning a construction project, together with the client
- Consideration of static and technical building, economic and design aspects
- Implementation and monitoring of the planned construction project
- Coordination of the craftsmen on the construction site
- Representation of builders before construction companies and craftsmen
These tasks deal with the preparation of the actual construction project, but he also takes on other tasks during construction. He leads the construction management and represents the clients. One of the tasks of an architect is the coordination of the construction companies and craftsmen, he monitors all work, determines possible defects, and prepares reports on the construction work that has been carried out.
It acts as an intermediary between the client and the construction company so that in the end a building is created that meets all the requirements and wishes of the client. An architect advises his customers on construction planning and thus has the costs under control and can follow the client's wishes accordingly. The means and theoretical knowledge to carry out these tasks in a goal-oriented manner are already taught in academic training.
Architecture and the arts
When it comes to explaining the arts, architecture is usually not included. Nevertheless, there is the already explained concept of architecture, which is usually understood to mean a special type of building. The Latin word "architectura" means nothing more than "architecture" and does not say anything about whether it is a functional structure or a building with special artistic demands, in which a person wanted to realize himself monographically. In the broadest sense, it is about the manual occupation with built space, with drafting and creation being the main task of architecture.
Architects see themselves as artists who deal scientifically with well-planned designs for the built environment, who develop unique ideas and create their own epochs. The outstanding examples from the past show that an artistic claim is also entirely justified. In addition to the functional creation of living space, the modern concept of architecture also includes its aesthetic design.
It is certainly a controversial question whether the design and planning of high-rise buildings with a hundred or more stories is actually part of art or whether it is not simply a matter of recognizing the skill of using as much space as necessary on as little floor space as possible. Whether this is art or rather mathematics remains to be seen.
The relationships between Architecture and UX.
The information architecture (IA) is not part of the user interface (UI) - much more the IA provides the UI with information. The IA is documented in tables and diagrams, but not in wireframes, comprehensive layouts, or prototypes. Even if the IA itself cannot be seen in the UI, it has an impact on the user experience (UX). A good IA gives users the good feeling that they are receiving content according to their requirements and expectations.
The information architecture consists of two main components:
- Identification and definition of content and functionality
- Basic organization, structure, and nomenclature that defines the relationships between the page content and functionality.
- The information architecture provides answers to the following questions:
- What is the best way to navigate between the different types of content?
- What elements does the navigation system need?
- How is content found using search?
The main task of information architecture is to build a smooth bridge between information and user cognition, and it is a carrier for the intuitive expression of information. In layman's terms, information architecture is not only to design the organizational structure of information but also to study the expression and transmission of information. So, how do we build a good information architecture in UX?
UX & IA
UX means user experience translated into user experience; IA means information architecture translated into information architecture. Their relationship can be simply understood as good information architecture is the foundation of an efficient user experience. We usually hear too much about user experience. When making a product, we must pay attention to user experience. This product has a bad user experience, etc. Everyone thinks that user experience is similar to interaction design, and at most, it is multiple UI designs.
