Comments on: UX Studies: An Interview with Philipp von Kiparski

By: stephenwho

stephenwho — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 05:32:20 +0000

Well, Real Architect – a litteral translation of the word Architect from the original Greek meaning was Chief Builder or Chief Carpenter. So unless you also are in charge of actually building a structure, perhaps you’d best tone down the original claim. ;-)

On amore serious note, it just shows how language changes and adapts over time. In common conversation if I was to say I’m an “architect”, the listener would know that I work in the art and science of designing and erecting physical structures. There is no problem there.

To say I’m a “software architect” allows the listener to know I DON’T work in the art and science of designing and erecting physical structures, but work designing the way software interacts with computer systems. Both are complex jobs, both require skill and training and both are descriptive enough to be recognised as completely separate professions.

Now don’t get me started on “sanitation engineer” and the abuse of the title engineer! I live with that.

By: Erietta Sapounakis

Erietta Sapounakis — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 04:55:36 +0000

Thanks for your comment Real Architect. I know where you are coming from, and as someone who has that job title on my business card, I am loathe to use it, preferring to call myself a “user experience designer” or just plain “designer”. I am well aware that a “real” architect gains accreditation after years in the field.

The IT industry has claimed all sorts of titles as architectural – systems architect, solution architect and on the design side experience architect. The only reasoning I can offer is that an architect in this context is looking at the whole rather than studying and designing a part. By no means a parallel to your field.

Perhaps my next post should be dedicated to the word itself. Sincere thanks for your comment. Hopefully it will cause a stir amongst some people that I know.

By: Real Architect

Real Architect — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 04:10:23 +0000

“Experience Architect” ??!!

I am not in any way doubting the importance of having websites that are easy to use and engage with.

However ‘Architect’ is already taken as a profession.

I think that we need some new titles for these new roles.

In print you would be called a graphic designer or perhaps down the line an editor or even publisher. If you were just coding you would be a programmer.

You are doing a bit of both, so why not: ‘Graphic Programmer’?

You can’t hijack an existing professional title!

What will they start calling people who oversee the management of a website; ‘website policeman’?

“Experience Architect”? ha ha.

By: Antonio Javierre

Antonio Javierre — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 22:47:55 +0000

I loved this interview, I’m intrigued by the heavy emphasis placed on psychology as the basis for HCI. Thanks for this Eri and Philipp :)

By: Kuno von Kiparski

Kuno von Kiparski — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 21:57:42 +0000

Philipp, you presented a very informative interview. Being an architect myself for 50 years, I have never heard of an “Experience Architect” as a profession. It must be a new branch of study of Architecture in Germany. Fascinating!