Information Design Process

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.

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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 outline of the most important information about the project, so that the entire team is on the same page regarding the project’s background and goals (p. 50). Baer (2008) adds that a typical creative brief breaks down information by dividing client information, project information, project requirements and goals, and project logistics (p. 53). It is crucial to begin the information design process by gaining a basic understanding of the information you are designing and why, as well as making sure that this is clear to everyone on the team. 

Using the example of this blog again, in this step I would take all the answers to my questions in step one and organize them, while also considering things such as the format of the blog.  

 The third step involves getting more in-depth about the intended audience, and asking questions about what their needs and goals may be. “A persona is a brief profile of a typical user that outlines specific personality attributes, desires, needs, habits, and capabilities” (Baer, 2008, p. 58). Getting to know personas and creating scenarios for the project will help to create more personalized and specific content that will make more sense for the audience. Creating these personas helps to better understand the audience, which helps to create a better product for them. Jacobson (2000) shares the example of creating information for individuals with poor vision. He asks the questions of which colors and contrasts work best, what size font to use, and if symbols will be effective (p. 113). Considering my blog in step three, I try to make sure that the audience will be able to see and understand my text, ideas, and visuals clearly.

 The fourth step is to develop and test out prototypes of the project. This can be made easier with tools such as sitemaps and blueprints. Jacobson (2000) notes that designing and testing prototypes is an important step, because it helps to eliminate previous steps and information that may not be needed anymore, as well as answer any questions in order to evolve and complete a final design (p. 113).  There are simple prototypes done on paper, and more advanced prototypes such as through the internet. “The most important thing is to get user feedback during the design process” (Baer, 2008, p. 81). 

Before almost every blog post, I create drafts of my work and preview what I have done. I do this so that I can see my progress and make any changes before continuing.

While changes may need to be made along the way, these steps help to guide the information design project and keep it on the most successful track. While I wouldn’t necessarily add more steps to this process, one way that I think the process may be improved is by including research on past information that may be similar to the new project. For example, taking a look at methods that were both successful and unsuccessful in the same subject in order to get a better idea of where to start, and what to avoid. I think that the most important step of the process is step three, which deals with personas. This seems to be when the project really starts to come together and get more specific to the topic. This is also when some of the most valuable and beneficial information is gathered, which can make or break the final result. 

References:

Baer, K. (2008). Information Design Workbook. Massachusetts: Rockport.

Jacobson, R. (2000). Information Design. Massachusetts: MIT Press.