A Masterclass in the Structural Design of Meaning
This masterclass emerges from a second intellectual culture of contemporary Information Architecture. It introduces Information Architecture Design (IAD) — a practice concerned not merely with organising information, but with the composition of meaning in the artificial, human-made world.
Across four sessions, we move through:
- World Building: How meaning structures reality
- Composition: How meaning is intentionally configured
- Praxis: How this becomes design capability
Each session follows a deliberate rhythm:
- Introduction of novel concepts and arguments that reposition IA
- Discussion of shifts in practice and methods not currently present in mainstream design practice, followed by studio work
This is where the work becomes yours.
Format
- 4 live sessions (2 × 2-hour blocks across 2 days)
- Small cohort (limited to 20 participants)
- Studio-based, discussion-led
- Delivered via Google Meet
With / Without Studio Work
The masterclass is offered in two modes:
| Live Masterclass – $220.00 (With Studio) | Masterclass Edition – $110.00 (Without Studio) |
|---|---|
| 4 live sessions | – |
| Guided studio work | – |
| Discussion and feedback | – |
| Recordings included | Full recordings (4 sessions) |
| Notes and materials | Notes and materials |
What You Will Do (Studio Work)
Each session includes a deep dive into a distinct practice method. These are not isolated exercises. They build on one another, moving across:
- Artefacts
- Systems
- Conceptual architectures
You will:
- Deconstruct an existing formation
- Recompose it through structural and semantic configuration
- Develop an architected configuration of meaning
Studio work is individual, with group discussion and feedback.
What You Leave With
- An architected configuration of meaning, developed through your studio work
- A formal method of meaning composition, immediately applicable across artefacts, systems, and concepts
- A new lens on your work in Design and in the Wild
- An IAD research framework and meta-framework relevant across disciplines
- Access to recordings and materials
- An IAD theory starter pack, including:
- Studio tools
- Key concepts and arguments (not publicly available in full)
- Glossary of terms
- Auxiliary notes
Origin of the Work
This masterclass is based on an original body of work in Information Architecture Design, by Jason Hobbs.
It draws from:
- Academic research into meaning-making and design
- Professional practice across products, systems, services, and strategy
- A structured canon of concepts, models, and methods developed over the last 15 years
The work sits between theory and practice:
- Grounded in design inquiry
- Tested in real-world contexts
- Formalised as a coherent framework
This work has informed teaching in Information Architecture, including at the University of Michigan School of Information (2025-2026).
Who This Is For
Experienced designers across disciplines (particularly UX, product, service, and strategy design)
Who This Is Not For
- Beginners to design or Information Architecture
- Those looking for templates, shortcuts, or step-by-step formulas
- Those not interested in studio work, discussion, or conceptual engagement
Information Architecture concerns the configurations through which meaning is structured and made operative in the world. Information Architecture Design concerns how those configurations are composed—and how they come to hold in the world.
This masterclass is an introduction to that practice.
Schedule
| Cohort | Region Time Zone | Session Dates | Session Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| EMEA | UTC+2 · Jo’burg | 31 Mar & 7 Apr 2026 | 12:00–14:00 |
| Americas | UTC−4 · New York | 1 Apr & 8 Apr 2026 | 12:00–14:00 |
| APAC | UTC+8 · Singapore | 2 Apr & 9 Apr 2026 | 12:00–14:00 |
Registration & Payment
To register:
- Complete the registration form
- You will receive payment details
- Your seat is confirmed upon payment (first come; first served)
Any questions or issues? Mail me: jason@jh-01.com
Recording & Participation
Sessions are recorded. By registering, you consent to recording and use of sessions as part of masterclass materials.
- If you do not wish to be recorded, we recommend the Masterclass Edition (without Studio Work)
Additional Information
- Cohorts are limited to 20 participants
- If a cohort is full, you may opt to join a waiting list for future sessions
- Recordings released after live sessions
- Sessions and materials are conducted in English
- If needed, you may send proof of payment to secure your place while funds clear – jason@jh-01.com
Cancellations & Refunds
If you are unable to attend, please notify us in advance.
- More than 3 days before the first session: full refund
- Within 3 days: access to recordings and materials in place of refund
If a session is cancelled or rescheduled, you will be offered a full refund or transfer to a future cohort.