I know it may sound odd, but I believe IA’s should try folding origami from diagrams. The act of using a diagram to create a 3d object is both satisfying, relaxing and makes you consider what it takes to write halfway decent instructions. I’m sure there are other hobbies that would produce the same set of feelings and skills (model airplanes? knitting) but origami is my choice.
Of particular interest here is the “Phone Folding” –text only instructions.
A good site is Joseph Wu’s origami page . Or you can straight to the Files and Diagrams.