Information design is the design of
information in a manner that creates usability, understanding, and cohesiveness
of data. By utilizing structure for information, we can better navigate our
world whether on the job, learning, or during day-to-day functions. Information
design is essential to handle the massive amount of information presented to
each one of us on a daily basis. Without it, the world would be chaotic and
confusing. Information design provides a structure for information that makes
it usable and effective.
Information design is presented in many
different forms. It can be seen in advertising, art, graphic design, marketing,
medical practices, schools, and just about everything and everywhere we see and
interact with. Information design is involved even where we do not notice. We
are under a barrage of information that our subconscious brains pick up. This
subtle information design succeeds as it finds its way through the information
that is presented knowingly, and leaves an impression that leads the search to
find that information again.
At the same time that information design is
necessary, there are many different theories presented that propose methods of designing
information. Despite differences in theory, the most important aspect of
information design is its use and function. The perception of design varies
among people, so what works for some will not work for others when it comes to
information design. Information must reach the sensory and cognitive capacities
to leave an impact on the viewer. When this occurs, the information design is
successful, fulfilling the needs of those who seek out the information.
(Jacobson 11)
As we continue to make technological advances,
information will flow freely between people as we share our insights in an
effort to create an understanding of our world. Only by collaborating with the
information we have collected can we truly come together with full meaning.
Everything that surrounds us carries information that are pieces of our lives.
As we put those pieces together, we grow as humans, learning from each other, and
finding meaning in the information that surrounds us. The design of this
information makes a significant difference in our ability to use that information.
Jacobson, Robert, ed. Information Design. MIT Press.
Massachusetts. 1999. Print.
The teal and dark gray creates a nice contrast on the page, while the white text field and black type face creates easy readability.
ReplyDeleteOverall, the feel of the page is tidy, organized, and yet informal. However, it also seems barren. There is only one small graphic, which while it is in keeping with the color scheme does not contribute to the content or purpose of the blog. If you were to add graphic elements to this page I feel you would be able to subtextually convey the blog's purpose in a way that is not exceedingly clear at the moment.