Info design presentation2
- 1. Information Design Edited by Robert Jacobson
- 2. Definition of Information Design "My own belief is that there is a unique design practice that can be identified as information design. Its purpose is the systematic arrangement and use of communication carriers, channels, and tokens to increase the understanding of those participating in a specific conversation or discourse." -Robert Jacobson, Information Design, p 4
- 3. What is Information Design? Resource composed of 16 chapters written by many different authors most of whom identify themselves as "information designers" What is its purpose? To answer the following: 1. Is there such a thing as information design? 2. If there is, what might constitute a formal theory of information design? 3. How can we implement this theory in a systematic practice that can be described to others and taught to new entrants to our field? (Jacobson, Information Design, p 4)
- 4. Components of Information Design 1 Theoretical Foundations of Information 2 Practice of Information Design 3 Designing for the Technologies Design of Information Because there are many topics covered in Information Design, readers may find it helpful to read or refer to chapters that are of particular relevance to them as illustrated in the chart on the next page.
- 5. Chapter 5 Chapter 11 Signage & Interactive Wayfinding Design Theoretical Designing for Foundations Chapter 4 Chapter 12 the Technologies Human- Meaning of of Information Centered Interactivity Chapter 3 Design Chapter 13 Chapter 2 Sense- Ambiguity in Making Multimedia Emergence Chapter 8 Chapter 14 of the Field Chapter 15 Graphic Web Chapter 7 Tools Chapter 9 Materials Web Evolution Museums Visual and Public Design Spaces Chapter 10 Chapter 6 The Practice of Information Collaborativ Individual e Design Perception Design
- 6. Concepts in Information Design Because of the number of authors that contributed to the book, there are numerous concepts and opinions expressed in Information Design. I chose to focus on and create graphical representations of the following three concepts: 1. How data takes on new meaning 2. Wayfinding 3. Differences in Perception
- 7. When does data take on new meaning? One idea expressed by several authors in the book is that information architects design data in order to transform it into usable information. Data Information Knowledge organization integration Data becomes information when it is well organized and classified. Information becomes knowledge when it is integrated into a user's web of knowledge.
- 8. Wayfinding Another concept explained in Information Design is wayfinding. It refers to the way in which an individual makes sense of or navigates an area. As illustrated in the chart below, wayfinding can be complicated because there is almost always more than one way to get from point A to point B. Task Decision Further Actions & Decisions Read Map Determine Airport Check Departures & Arrivals To get to Terminal Look for Help Desk the correct Take Escalator Airport Get to the Terminal Correct Take Elevator Floor Use Stairs Follow Signs Go through Look for a Map security Observe and Follow Others
- 9. Efficient Wayfinding In order to effectively design spaces (virtual or otherwise) in which people use wayfinding as a way to navigate, information architects must study and understand the ways in which individuals are using the spaces and where there is a disconnect in understanding. "To be efficient, wayfinding communication, should not just follow the architectural conception of the layout and be relegated to "mopping up the mess," but should be utilized from the first to define the wayfinding problems future users will have to solve." -Romedi Passini, Information Design, p 95
- 10. Differences in Perception The perception of information is limited by several factors including physical limitations, cultural differences, level of engagement, etc. An information designer must compete with all of these factors in order to make his or her design effective Designers must recognize the user's Ability to Understand level of awareness. Complex Information high For Example: A driver on the road does not have very long to level of read a sign which is why they understanding must be as clear and noticeable as possible. lo w in motion stationary
- 11. Lost in Translation Only information that makes it through personal filters & environmental distractions can become knowledge. Information Information Filter Distractions Attentiveness Knowledge Cultural Differences Information Information
- 12. Differing Opinions in Information Design One of the most valuable aspects of the book is the number of different expert opinions of information design. “Information design is defined as the art and science if preparing information so that it can be used by human beings with efficiency and effectiveness.” -Robert E. Horn, Information Design, p 15 "Information no matter what it is called--data, knowledge, or fact, song, story, or metaphor--has always been designed." -Brenda Dervin, Information Design, p 36 "Information cannot be designed; what can be designed are the modes of transfer and the representations of information." -Jef Raskin, Information Design, p 342
- 13. Who it is useful for "This book is for information designers. And because all of us, all the time, are both producers and consumers of information, it is for you." -Robert Jacobson, Information Design, p 1 Examples from the text: ● Graphic Designers ● Writers ● Architects ● Computer Programmers ● Technical Communications ● Librarians
- 14. What will you get out of it? What it is ● A composition of many different theories and ideas about Information Design ● Different perspectives about theory, history, and practice of information design ● Information is often more theoretical than practical What it is not ● A How-to on information design ● Written around a single theory, idea, or definition of information design
- 15. Works Cited Jacobson, R., Horn, R.E., Dervin, B., Cooley, M., Passini, R., Whitehouse, R., . . . Raskin, J. (1999). Information Design. Robert Jacobson, (Ed.). Cambridge, MA: The MIT Press.