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- Volume 25, Issue 3, 2019
Information Design Journal - Volume 25, Issue 3, 2019
Volume 25, Issue 3, 2019
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ID practice and theory
Author(s): Rune Petterssonpp.: 242–248 (7)More LessAbstractThis article describes some of many definitions of information design. Practical as well as theoretical aspects are important in information design. It is an applied science. We may view information design, as a “combined discipline,” as a “practical theory,” or as a “theoretical practice.” As an academic discipline, Information Design needs to incorporate theoretical contributions from other disciplines. The principles of information design are universal, and they are not tied to any unique features of a particular culture or language. One internal and six external information design theories are mentioned. Principles become the fundamental sources for development of practical guidelines.
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Information design and multimodality
Author(s): John A. Batemanpp.: 249–257 (9)More LessAbstractDespite a long association between information design and semiotics, connections remain limited in many respects. This contribution argues that one reason for this is the traditionally weak connection between semiotics and empirical methods. To counter this, a model of multimodal communication is introduced in which theoretical description and empirical research are tightly bound methodologically. Several illustrations of the relevance of the model for information design are offered.
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Instructional design as a form of information design
Author(s): Richard E. Mayerpp.: 258–263 (6)More LessAbstractInstructional design is concerned with how to present verbal and visual information to learners in ways that promote effective learning processes and outcomes. Information design is concerned with how to present verbal and visual information to people in ways that promote efficient processing and understanding. The main thesis of this brief article is that instructional design is a form of information design, in which the goal is to help people learn material so that they can use it later. This article reviews exemplary principles of multimedia instructional design that are based on research evidence and have implications for information design.
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Learning from Vernon’s Isotype test
Author(s): Robert Wallerpp.: 264–276 (13)More LessAbstractThis paper goes back to the 1970s, the decade when IDJ was born, to recall a collaboration with Marie Neurath of the Isotype Institute. The project challenged a widely published research project on Isotype charts by psychologist Magdalen Vernon, and the original sketches and design drafts are used to make observations about Isotype, design expertise and design research.
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The DNA of information design for charts and diagrams
Author(s): Clive Richards and Yuri Engelhardtpp.: 277–292 (16)More LessAbstractA comprehensive framework is presented for analyzing and specifying an extensive range of visualizations, such as statistical charts, maps, family trees, Venn diagrams, flow charts, texts using indenting, technical drawings and scientific illustrations. This paper describes how the fundamental ‘DNA’ building blocks of visual encoding and composition can be combined into ‘visualization patterns’ that specify these and other types of visualizations. We offer different ways of specifying each visualization pattern, including through a DNA tree diagram and through a rigorously systematic natural language sentence. Using this framework, a design tool is proposed for exploring visualization design options.
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Change is not the only constant
Author(s): Patricia Wrightpp.: 293–299 (7)More LessAbstractDevelopments in information technology during the past 40 years have presented new opportunities for information designers and also posed new challenges. Computer controlled displays are now so ubiquitous that most people in everyday life need to interact with information shown on screens. Many of the characteristics of these readers have not changed: they forget things, get distracted, make assumptions, etc. Research has confirmed that designing an interaction style to reduce the demands made on people’s sensory and cognitive processes helps them accomplish tasks more easily. There has undoubtedly been progress, particularly with mobile devices. Graphical user interfaces and touch screens can make interactions feel intuitive, almost conversational, but interface glitches remain. These arise both from the tension inherent in designing for experienced and novice users, and from design decisions often involving people with differing priorities. The features of interfaces will continue to change but the challenge of finding ways to support people’s sensory, cognitive and conative characteristics will continue.
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Designing animated information graphics
Author(s): Richard Lowepp.: 300–306 (7)More LessAbstractAnimated graphics are a potentially powerful way to communicate information about subject matter involving change over time. However, their design currently relies largely on intuition and approaches applicable to static graphics. This article introduces a principled and empirically validated alternative that offers significantly better communicative effectiveness than conventional animation designs.
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Information about medicines in Europe
Author(s): Karel van der Waardepp.: 307–313 (7)More LessAbstractThe development of information about medicines for patients in the last thirty years provides a fascinating information design case study. Throughout this period three main principles have remained stable: an absolute focus on patients, performance based design, and a thorough design process. These principles are likely to remain valid for future developments.
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Visual communication design
Author(s): Peter Simlingerpp.: 314–324 (11)More LessAbstractHaving graduated in architecture at the University of Technology Wien [Vienna], I subsequently engaged in post-graduate studies at The Bartlett School of Architecture and Planning / University College London. Corporate design and signage design attracted my attention. Back home a major bank and Vienna airport (VIE), among others, were the first clients of my company. As chairman of Committee 133 “Public information symbols” of “Austrian Standards”, I was responsible for the elaboration of several theme specific national and international standards.
In 1993 I founded the IIID International Institute for Information Design. Several r&d projects within the frame of the 6th and 7th European Union Framework Programmes for Research and Technological Development were carried out. However, due to the required but denied support from the Austrian Ministry of Science and Research, the founding of an interdisciplinary institute, affiliated to the United Nations University (UNU), did not materialize. No chance either to establish “Visual Communication Design” at a local university. Until now the Department of Typography and Graphic Communication of The University of Reading (UK) seems to be the only theme specific institution on tertiary university level in Europe. Challenges nowadays range from legible medical package inserts to a much required unified system for the European Union highway signs.
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IDJ at my side
Author(s): David Slesspp.: 325–329 (5)More LessAbstractDavid Sless’s journey to information designer coincides with the history of IDJ. David’s first paper was published in the second issue (1979). David’s journey alongside IDJ included the generosity of Peter Simlinger of IIID (1980s) and the encouragement of Paul Stiff of Reading University (1990s). IDJ is still a vital part of David’s life.
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Uncle George’s illustrated map
Author(s): Nigel Holmespp.: 330–333 (4)More LessAbstractA personal look back at a 60-year career making information graphics for newspapers, magazines and corporations in England and the United States, and some of the lessons learned. The essential role of mentors in encouraging a bold graphic approach. How humor can help readers understand difficult concepts. The importance of including context when presenting data.
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Information design from my window
Author(s): Jorge Frascarapp.: 334–347 (14)More LessAbstractInformation Design and its supporting research developed in parallel. Information design cannot exist without research. During the last 50 years, the development of my information design practice was prompted and shaped by demanding interdisciplinary projects, by intelligent colleagues and experts in design and psychology, and by reading this journal.
Volumes & issues
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Volume 29 (2024)
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Volume 28 (2023)
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Volume 27 (2022)
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Volume 26 (2021)
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Volume 25 (2019)
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Volume 24 (2018)
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Volume 23 (2017)
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Volume 22 (2016)
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Volume 21 (2014)
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Volume 20 (2013)
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Volume 19 (2011)
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Volume 18 (2010)
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Volume 17 (2009)
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Volume 16 (2008)
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Volume 15 (2007)
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Volume 14 (2006)
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Volume 13 (2005)
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Volume 12 (2004)
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Volume 11 (2002)
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Volume 10 (2000)
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Volume 9 (1998)
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Volume 8 (1995)
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Volume 7 (1993)
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Volume 6 (1990)
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Volume 5 (1986)
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Volume 4 (1984)
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Volume 3 (1982)
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Volume 2 (1981)
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Volume 1 (1979)
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