Information Design / Lilah Prestia

When creating a blog, or any type of content that is meant to share information, it is important to consider everyone that may come across it. This includes those who are both hearing and/or visually impaired. I have recently began watching a woman named Molly Burke on YouTube who is blind, and she posts videos and shares information on how she manages certain activities without sight. In the past, she has shared how she uses her cell phone and how Apple has played a big role in helping her to stay connected and freely use the internet. Apple (2018) explains their device’s accessibility features, including voice activation, hearing aids, shortcuts, reading support, and switch control (Accessibility, para. 1). Companies like Apple are empowering to those with disabilities, allowing hearing or visually impaired people to understand and enjoy the same content as those who have no problem hearing or seeing.  Below is a video of Molly Burke publicly speaking about the importance of ...

According to Meirelles (2013), there are generally two terms for visual displays of information, and these are infographics and information design (p. 11). There are both pros and cons when comparing information design infographics to interactive web-pages. Infographics are visual and use graphics such as symbols, drawings, and maps, in order to share information. Murphy (2012) shares that infographics show off information in a creative and interesting way (para. 1). Murphy (2012) also adds that the major parts of an infographic are the visual, the content, and the knowledge (para. 1). Information design is more about the process of how communication is being displayed. “…The main purpose is to inform, in contrast to persuasive approaches more commonly used in practices such as advertising…” (Meirelles, 2013, p. 11). Pros of infographics are that they can be eye-catching, and they are generally easier to view and comprehend. However, infographics may also be easy to misundersta...

The process of information design varies for each and every project. However, there are some general steps that should be incorporated in order to create the most effective pieces of information. (Retrieved October 23, 2018, from  http://s3.amazonaws.com/architecture-org/files/resources/design-process-chart.png) The first step involves getting a better idea of the project as a whole. This includes asking important questions such as: What is the problem? Who is the target audience? Where and When is this taking place? Why? This first step also includes content analysis. Baer (2008) makes an important point, stating that the more you know about a client’s history and past projects, the better you can solve the new design problem at hand (p. 44). With my blog as an example, I ask myself these questions before writing, in order to get a better idea of where to begin. The second step requires a creative brief. Baer (2008) defines this document as a short outlin...

(Retrieved October 3, 2018, from  https://sloanreview.mit.edu/article/using-simulated-experience-to-make-sense-of-big-data/) There are various different theories in information design. My preferred theory involves sign-posting, which states that information is necessary to guide audiences and inform them, as well as being constantly changed and updated to more modern standards. However, another theory that stands out to me is the sense-making theory of Brenda Dervin . “The approach was originally developed to assess how patients/audiences/users/clients/citizens make sense of their intersections with institutions, media…and situations…” (Jacobson, 2000, p. 44). While this concept is interesting, it can also be difficult to fully g rasp. According to Jacobson (2000), sense-making is based on concepts relating to time, space, movement, and gap (p. 45).  This could be considered a con to sense-making, as there is a lot of room for different bridges, solutions, or outcom...

(Retrieved September 13, 2018, from https://quotesgram.com/information-architecture-quotes/ ) Information design is all about organizing and presenting information in a clear, creative, and understandable way. Jacobson (2000), defines it as the arrangement and use of different communication carriers and channels in order to increase understanding and meaning (p. 4). The product of information design is all around us in our daily lives. It is made to blend in and flow. A few examples of information design are street signs, websites, advertisements, and notices. Information such as this can be presented through different types of medias and designs, and so it is important to make the best choices depending on the audiences. For example, check out the graphic below. The same information is presented on both the left and the right side. However, the information displayed on the right is a lot more pleasing to look at, as well as easier to understand.  (“Let’s Develop...