Information Design Journal - Volume 27, Issue 3, 2022

The way information is organized and designed on virtual learning environments (VLEs) is poor (e.g., unclear, unattractive and overwhelmingly dense). This study evaluates and redesigns a VLE platform to enhance access to information and course material. A three-stage user-centred mixed-methods research approach was used with students taking part as co-creators of education, researchers, designers and end-users. Results show that performance was significantly better with two layouts designed following information design principles and a user-centred research process, than with the existing layout. Participants’ opinion also reflected this same trend. A set of guidelines to improve the design of VLEs is provided.

The ability to quantify and compare typography has potential in many disciplines such as marketing, branding, education, and literacy studies. However, formal features of typography have been difficult to operationalize for quantitative analysis. The article proposes a quantitative, distinctive feature-based framework for describing and comparing fonts. The analyses made using the framework yield a clear and quantifiable separation of well-established typographical categories. It is also sensitive enough to pick up even small variations between fonts. The framework can aid in developing a more generally accepted typographical meta-language that allows for comparison and cross-fertilization of typographical knowledge across disciplines.

The datafication process transforming society enables us to witness the pandemic from a global perspective. This article provides an example of immersive architecture in which coronavirus-related scientific literature was revealed during Ars Electronica 2021. Like a starry sky, a network visualization representing more than 600,000 articles was showcased in the Deep Space 8K theater, where spectators were accompanied in reading insights. The case study of 3D Cartography of COVID-19 illustrates a novel way to present data in public spaces to foster conversations and reflects on how visual data literacy can be addressed in museums.

Graphs, charts, and infographics have long been a part of newsrooms. Nevertheless, in recent decades, new data processing and graphical representation findings have led to a boom in data and visual journalism. Both professionals and newsrooms have had to adapt quickly to the fast-developing field of Data Visualization while facing an unprecedented crisis. Through semi-structured interviews with worldwide graphic reporters and data journalists, this research delves into academic backgrounds, daily tasks, and design processes to answer the question of how someone comes to design graphics for a living in recent years. One common phenomenon was identified: self-teaching.