Yet another article presenting yet another definition of information design. Perhaps the most interesting part of which is the lively discussion that follows.

But within the article there are some valuable, if somewhat basic, points:

"Remember that information only has value when it is successfully communicated. If it cannot be accessed or understood it does not have value."

I would change that to say that data has no value until it is designed and it's value is enhanced when successfully presented within the context.

"Understand the information domain. ... context is critical to providing strong information solutions. ... Participants are influenced by history, by the market and by cultural factors."

Yes most certainly but as well what gives me certain pause in pursuing information design more aggressively within the definition I support in my place of work is the fact that you must become quite intimate with the data. You must thoroughly understand the data being represented. Unfortunately technical elements of biotechnology are far removed from my life experience.

In terms of a definition of information design as a great integrator or an umbrella term for all design.... I cannot agree. I much prefer the mantle introduced in the discussion that of product design. We are creating a product, so lets call it that, of which information design is but one component needed to create it. I much prefer to form teams around the type of product being developed filled with people that have the competencies required to successfully complete the project. The term product design, when used to describe something like a website elicits some confusion at first but when explained becomes easily understood. Building a product is something that most business people here can understand - building great information design is not.

Link:Information Design: The Understanding Discipline

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Categorized: Design , Information Design

Tagged: , Information Design

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