Scribd
Upload
111 views5 pages

Information Design

Information design is the practice of presenting information in a clear, efficient way to foster understanding. It is closely related to data visualization and graphic design, with the goal of effectively displaying information for a given audience rather than just for aesthetic purposes. Key aspects of information design include simplifying messages while maintaining clarity, highlighting important elements, and supporting the analytical task the information is meant to convey such as comparisons. Some early influential examples include William Playfair's statistical charts from the late 18th century and Florence Nightingale's diagrams showing army mortality rates.

Uploaded by

charlotte899
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
111 views5 pages

Information Design

Information design is the practice of presenting information in a clear, efficient way to foster understanding. It is closely related to data visualization and graphic design, with the goal of effectively displaying information for a given audience rather than just for aesthetic purposes. Key aspects of information design include simplifying messages while maintaining clarity, highlighting important elements, and supporting the analytical task the information is meant to convey such as comparisons. Some early influential examples include William Playfair's statistical charts from the late 18th century and Florence Nightingale's diagrams showing army mortality rates.

Uploaded by

charlotte899
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Information design

Information design is the practice of presenting information in a way that fosters an efficient and effective
understanding of the information. The term has come to be used for a specific area of graphic design related
to displaying information effectively, rather than just attractively or for artistic expression. Information
design is closely related to the field of data visualization and is often taught as part of graphic design
courses.[1] The broad applications of information design along with its close connections to other fields of
design and communication practices have created some overlap in the definitions of communication design,
data visualization, and information architecture.

According to Per Mollerup, information design is explanation design. It explains facts of the universe and
leads to knowledge and informed action.[2]

History
The term 'information design' emerged as a multidisciplinary area of study in the 1970s. Use of the term is
said to have started with graphic designers and it was solidified with the publication of the Information
Design Journal in 1979. Later, the related International Institute for Information Design (IIID) was set up in
1987 and Information Design Association (IDA) established in 1991.[3] In 1982, Edward Tufte produced a
book on information design called The Visual Display of Quantitative Information. The term information
graphics tends to be used by those primarily concerned with diagramming and display of quantitative
information, such as technical communicators and graphic designers.

In technical communication, information design refers to creating an information structure for a set of
information aimed at specified audiences. It can be practised on different scales.

On a large scale, it implies choosing relevant content and dividing it into separate manuals
by audience and purpose.
On a medium scale, it means organizing the content in each manual and making sure that
overviews, concepts, examples, references, and definitions are included and that topics
follow an organizing principle.
On a small or detailed scale, it includes logical development of topics, emphasis on what's
important, clear writing, navigational clues, and even page design, choice of font, and use of
white space.

There are many similarities between information design and information architecture. The title of
information designer is sometimes used by graphic designers who specialize in creating websites. The
skillset of the information designer, as the title is applied more globally, is closer to that of the information
architect in the U.S. Similar skills for organization and structure are brought to bear in designing web sites
and digital media, with additional constraints and functions that earn a designer the title information
architect.
In computer science and information technology, 'information design' is sometimes a rough synonym for
(but is not necessarily the same discipline as) information architecture, the design of information systems,
databases, or data structures. This sense includes data modeling and process analysis.

Early examples
Information design is associated with the age
of technology but it does have historical roots.
Early instances of modern information design
include these effective examples:

William Playfair's line, bar, pie, and


area charts illustrating England's trade
(1786 and 1801)[4][5]
John Snow's spot maps, which
pinpointed the source of a deadly Charles Joseph Minard's 1861 diagram of Napoleon's March
cholera outbreak in 1850s London [6] - an early example of an information graphic.

Charles Joseph Minard's 1861


diagram depicting Napoleon's
Russian campaign of 1812[7]
W.E.B. Du Bois's data visualization on the lives of Black Americans for the 1900 World's
Fair[8]
Otto Neurath's International Picture Language of the 1930s[9]
Florence Nightingale's information graphic depicting army mortality rates[10]

The Minard diagram shows the losses suffered by Napoleon's army in the 1812-1813 period. Six variables
are plotted: the size of the army, its location on a two-dimensional surface (x and y), time, direction of
movement, and temperature. This multivariate display on a two-dimensional surface tells a story that can be
grasped immediately while identifying the source data to build credibility. Edward Tufte wrote in 1983 that:
"It may well be the best statistical graphic ever drawn."[5]

Applications
Information design can be used for broad audiences (such as signs
in airports) or specific audiences (such as personalized telephone
bills).[11] The resulting work often seeks to improve a user's trust of
a product (such as medicine packaging inserts, operational
instructions for industrial machinery and information for A visual definition of Disability
emergencies). The example of signs also highlights a niche Adjusted Life Year
category known as wayfinding.

Governments and regulatory authorities have legislated about a number of information design issues, such
as the minimum size of type in financial small print, the labelling of ingredients in processed food, and the
testing of medicine labelling. Examples of this are the Truth in Lending Act in the USA, which introduced
the Schumer box (a concise summary of charges for people applying for a credit card), and the Guideline
on the Readability of the Labelling and Package Leaflet of Medicinal Products for Human Use (European
Commission, Revision 1, 12 January 2009).
Professor Edward Tufte explained that users of
information displays are executing particular
analytical tasks such as making comparisons
or determining causality. The design principle
of the information graphic should support the
analytical task, showing the comparison or
causality.[12]

Simplicity Visualization of the frequency of outbound trains from


Bangalore, India. Based on the work of Étienne-Jules
Simplicity is a major concern in information Marey
design. The aim is clarity and understanding.
Simplification of messages may imply
quantitative reduction but is not restricted to that. Sometimes more information means more clarity. Also,
simplicity is a highly subjective matter and should always be evaluated with the information user in mind.
Simplicity can be easy when following five simple steps when it comes to information design:

1. Tell the truth,


2. Get to the point,
3. Pick the right tool for the job,
4. Highlight what is important,
5. Of course, keep it simple.

These steps will help an information designer narrow down results, as well as keeping their audience
engaged.[13]

See also
Cartography
Chief experience officer (CXO)
Content management
Epidemiology
Knowledge visualization
Plain language
Signage
Statistics
Technical communication
Technical illustration
Typography
Visual literacy
Wayfinding
Web indexing

References
1. "Graphic Design | Graphic Design Degree | BA & MA Degree Programs | CCSU" (http://ww
w.design.ccsu.edu/).
2. Per Mollerup, Data Design: Visualising quantities, locations, connections, Bloomsbury
Academic, 2015
3. "The Origins of the Information Design Association" (https://web.archive.org/web/201603032
14532/http://www.robwaller.org/IDA_origins_RW.pdf) (PDF). University of Reading. 2008.
Archived from the original (http://www.robwaller.org/IDA_origins_RW.pdf) (PDF) on 2016-03-
03. Retrieved 2013-01-30.
4. "First Ever Area Charts Created 200+ Years Ago" (http://www.anychart.com/blog/2015/12/23/
first-area-charts-history/). AnyChart. 23 December 2015. Retrieved 25 December 2015.
5. Tufte, Edward (1983). The Visual Display of Quantitative Information (https://archive.org/deta
ils/visualdisplayofq0000tuft). Cheshire, Connecticut: Graphics Press. ISBN 0961392142.
6. Crosier, Scott. "John Snow: The London Cholera Epidemic of 1854" (https://web.archive.org/
web/20171211015738/http://webprojects.oit.ncsu.edu/project/bio183de/Black/science/scien
ce_reading/8.html). University of California, Santa Barbara. Archived from the original (http://
webprojects.oit.ncsu.edu/project/bio183de/Black/science/science_reading/8.html) on 2017-
12-11. Retrieved 2015-12-30.
7. Corbett, John. "Charles Joseph Minard: Mapping Napoleon's March, 1861" (https://web.archi
ve.org/web/20170312205811/http://www.csiss.org/classics/content/58/). Center for Spatially
Integrated Social Science. Archived from the original (http://www.csiss.org/classics/content/5
8) on 12 March 2017. Retrieved 21 September 2014.
8. Mansky, Jackie (15 November 2018). "W.E.B. Du Bois' Visionary Infographics Come
Together for the First Time in Full Color" (https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/first-time-t
ogether-and-color-book-displays-web-du-bois-visionary-infographics-180970826/).
Smithsonian Magazine. Retrieved 15 March 2021.
9. Popova, Maria (8 March 2011). "The Invention of ISOTYPE: How a Vintage Visual
Language Paved the Way for the Infographics Age" (https://www.brainpickings.org/2011/03/0
8/the-transformer-isotype/). Brain Pickings. Retrieved 25 December 2015.
10. Small, Hugh. "Florence Nightingale's statistical diagrams" (http://www.florence-nightingale-a
venging-angel.co.uk/GraphicsPaper/Graphics.htm).
11. "Information Design FAQ" (http://www.bogieland.com/infodesign_faq.htm). Retrieved
9 January 2013.
12. Edward Tufte-Presentation-August 2013 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9Y4SxgfGCg)
13. Duarte, Nancy. Slide:ology: The Art and Science of Creating Great Presentations. Beijing:
O'Reilly Media, 2008. Print.

External links
InformationDesign.org (http://www.informationdesign.org/)
International Institute for Information Design (http://www.iiid.net/)
Communication Research Institute: Defining information design (https://communication.org.a
u/defining-information-design/)
Information Design Journal (https://www.benjamins.com/cgi-bin/t_seriesview.cgi?series=ID
J) Archived (https://web.archive.org/web/20060216191350/http://www.benjamins.com/cgi-bi
n/t_seriesview.cgi?series=IDJ) 2006-02-16 at the Wayback Machine
UK Information Design Association (http://www.infodesign.org.uk/)
Society for Technical Communication Information Design – Information Architecture (ID–IA)
Special Interest Group (SIG) (https://web.archive.org/web/20070928212711/http://stc-on.org/i
d/)
Visualizing Information for Advocacy: An Introduction to Information Design (http://backspac
e.com/notes/2008/02/an-introduction-to-information-design.php) Booklet on information
design for non-profit and non-governmental organizations.
McCandless, David (2010). "The beauty of data visualization" (http://www.ted.com/talks/davi
d_mccandless_the_beauty_of_data_visualization.html).
https://ahmedabadwebsitedesign.com

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Information_design&oldid=1163979368"

Common questions

Powered by AI

Information design and information architecture are similar in their focus on organizing information to enhance understanding and usability. Both disciplines involve structuring information in ways that facilitate user interaction, often intersecting in the design of websites and digital platforms. However, they diverge in scope; information design generally pertains to the presentation and visualization of data to convey messages effectively, while information architecture focuses on the underlying structure and systems of organizing information, often in digital environments like websites and databases .

Edward Tufte significantly contributed to the field of information design through his book 'The Visual Display of Quantitative Information,' published in 1982. His work emphasized the importance of displaying quantitative data effectively to enhance understanding. Tufte's principles of clear, precise, and efficient information graphics have set a standard in the field. His lasting impacts include the popularization of data visualization techniques and highlighting the role of information design in analytical tasks. Tufte's critique of graphical integrity and advocacy for simplicity and truthfulness in data presentation continue to influence designers today .

Data visualization plays a crucial role in the broader scope of information design by providing visual representations of data, allowing users to discern patterns and insights effectively. Historically, data visualization has evolved from early examples like William Playfair’s charts and John Snow’s cholera maps to intricate modern infographics. This evolution has been driven by advances in technology and methodology, further illuminated by influential figures like Edward Tufte, who advocated for clarity and analytical functionality in visual data presentation .

The approach to information design for broad audiences emphasizes universal understanding, simplicity, and accessibility, using elements like clear signage or general instructions that accommodate diverse demographics. In contrast, information design for specific audiences often involves detailed, technical, and tailored content customized to meet particular needs, such as personalized billing or professional manuals. The differentiation lies in the depth and complexity of the information presented, driven by the audience's specific characteristics and knowledge level .

'Wayfinding' exemplifies principles of information design by providing clear, concise, and intuitive navigation aids that guide individuals through an environment. It applies principles of spatial organization, visual literacy, and directional clarity to ensure pathways are easily understood. Practical applications include signage in airports and hospitals, where efficient navigation is critical, demonstrating the capacity of well-executed information design to enhance user experience and safety .

Tailoring information design to specific audiences is important because it ensures the message's clarity, relevance, and accessibility specific to the audience's needs and context. If information design is not audience-specific, it could lead to misunderstandings, reduced engagement, and ineffective communication. For instance, technical data must be simplified for a non-expert audience to avoid confusion, whereas detailed specifications might be necessary for an expert audience .

Historical examples of information design include William Playfair's line, bar, and pie charts illustrating England's trade in 1786 and 1801, John Snow's spot maps from the 1850s pinpointing the source of a cholera outbreak in London, and Charles Joseph Minard's 1861 diagram of Napoleon's march, which depicted multiple data variables such as army size and temperature. These designs served various purposes, from economic analysis and public health awareness to military campaign documentation .

Governmental regulations have influenced information design practices by enforcing standards that ensure clarity and accuracy in consumer information. Examples include the Truth in Lending Act, which mandates the use of the Schumer box to concisely summarize credit card charges, and legislation on the readability of medicine labeling in the EU. These regulations aim to enhance consumer understanding and trust by mandating specific design elements, thereby ensuring that crucial information is accessible and avoids misinterpretations .

Simplicity in information design supports user engagement by promoting clarity and understanding through concise and focused visuals. The principles guiding its application include telling the truth, getting to the point, selecting the appropriate tool, highlighting important information, and overall simplification. These steps help designers narrow down details, keeping the audience engaged and aiding comprehensive understanding by avoiding information overload. Simplicity should always be evaluated with the specific information user in mind.

Visual definitions like the 'Disability Adjusted Life Year' (DALY) infographic contribute to epidemiology by distilling complex health data into understandable visuals that highlight critical health metrics and disparities. This aids public health professionals, policymakers, and the public in perceiving trends, assessing health priorities, and making informed decisions. Infographics simplify the communication of intricate data, facilitating better engagement and comprehension in epidemiological contexts .

You might also like