Main conference presentation

Start-up case studies: how five of us started our own businesses

Victor Lombardi, Frank Ramirez, Lou Rosenfeld, Gene Smith and Christina Wodtke

Monday March 26 2007, 11:45 - 12:30PM

Five entreprenuers – Lane Becker, Frank Ramirez, Lou Rosenfeld, Gene Smith and Christina Wodtke – will each present a case study describing their experience starting a business informed by their information architecture background. A case study format common to all presenters is used to illustrate the story behind each business and highlight similarities and differences in each person’s experience.

The information architecture community has shown an increasing interest in the interplay of business issues and IA. As reflected in the press, businesses are increasing aware of the role design and IA can play in operations and strategy. Because of the ease in starting an Internet business and the abundance of inexpensive tools, many IA practitioners are combining their design and business experience by starting up businesses. Through this series of presentations we hope to shed light on the real-life experiences and lessons of business owners from our community.

A question and answer session will follow the presentations.

Presentation files:

• Victor Lombardi (PPT, 339KB)
• Frank Ramirez (PDF, 1.8MB)
• Louis Rosenfeld (PPT, 375KB)
• Gene Smith (PPT, 281KB)
• Christina Wodtke (PPT, 919KB)