Information systems extend us, shaping our attention, meaning, and how we get things done.

Aligned IA helps mission-driven organizations transform complex information environments into clear, usable structures that serve both business goals and user needs.

Organizations need information structures to be clear, cohesive, and effective as they strive to achieve their mission and goals.

With effective information architecture:

Through the practice of information architecture, I create structural frameworks that improve findability, enhance user experience and system capability, facilitate cross-team collaboration, and reduce organizational risk.




About Dan Cooney

I honed my IA, UX, research, strategy, planning, and consulting skills for the last 10 years as a lead information architect with The Understanding Group. Earlier I was Director of UX for an e-commerce firm and I've taught a class on system and service evaluation for University of Michigan's School of Information. (see LinkedIn for more)

My approach combines rigorous user research, systems thinking, and collaborative problem-solving to create information structures that truly serve both the organizations I work with and the people who use their products and services.

I currently co-facilitate a monthly AI Playground session for Abby Covert's community, The Sensemakers Club, exploring the realities of artificial intelligence and ways sensemakers can leverage and grow with AI advancements.

I am energized by helping mission-driven organizations make information systems in which people can think clearly, maintain their intention and attention, and achieve their goals. I thrive when my clients thrive.





Select organizations I've helped:




if you have an information architecture or user experience challenge you'd like to discuss