Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Conclusion
We live in a world that is full of information. We receive this through an ever-increas-
ing variety of media including newspapers, magazines, books, television and radio
programmes, telephones, the worldwide web, the postal service and numerous other
types of both solicited and unsolicited publicity, PR and marketing devices. So, how
do we make sense of it all? How are we able to interpret, prioritize and digest the bits
that are important? How do we recognize what is important against all the rest?
Hopefully from reading this topic you have been able to see that the role of the in-
formation designer is diverse, in that there are many ways to convey data to a specific
audience. There are, however, certain guiding principles that all information design
conforms to. The understanding, editing and organizing of information is key to the
transmission in a clear and unambiguous manner. In order to do this, the informa-
tion designer uses particular tools at their disposal. These are the fundamentals of any
design work: hierarchy, structure, legibility and navigation. With these guidelines, the
interpretation and communication of information becomes simple to decode. When
used effectively, it brings clarity and comprehension to the minds of the reader/view-
er. This also brings into focus another important consideration, that of the user. The
designer should produce solutions that satisfy the needs and demands of the user, not
those of the designer. This requires a clear definition and understanding of the audi-
ence, so that the piece is fit for purpose.
Information designers do not just produce graphics that are pleasing to the eye; they
have to ensure that the piece functions first and foremost. Aesthetics are part of it, but
it is the communication of the data that is paramount.
Currently within graphic design, and to some extent information design, there is a
convergence of technology and a proliferation of multiple platforms. Messages are no
longer delivered through just one medium. The web, smartphones, GPS tracking and
environments, along with print solutions, may have to be considered when commu-
nicating with an audience.
A good information designer will analyze the information and then propose the most
logical and appropriate way or ways in which to present it. This can be quite compre-
hensive, as we have seen with the I Walk New York case study (see pp. 196-201), or
quite simple, in the case of a topic.
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