Information Design - Competencies

Competencies

Information design draws on a wide range of competencies that are seldom possessed by a single person. For this reason, information designers tend to work on information products in teams that include specialists and other information designers.

In the United States, the title of information designer is sometimes used by graphic designers who specialize in creating websites. The skill set of the information designer, as the title is applied more globally, is closer to that of the information architect in the U.S.

This list is indicative rather than prescriptive or fully descriptive.

Research:

• Using, commissioning, co-ordinating and understanding research. All design involves research as an initial stage
• Information design research is likely to involve some or all of
  • Business process investigation and analysis
  • Qualitative and quantitative user research
  • Reference to existing academic research (e.g., ergonomics, cognitive and perceptual psychology)
  • Craft knowledge: what has been tried before

Transformation:

• Using words, diagrams, type, and sequencing to restructure messages so that they tell a story more effectively

Writing for clear communication:

• Writing or editing to make messages clear, unambiguous and understandable by their intended audience(s)

Graphic and typographic design:

• Designing the appearance of an information product so that users can find what they want and understand it when they get there

Information visualization:

• Creating graphic displays that turn data into lucid information

Prototyping:

• Making preliminary visualizations, models, and prototypes that facilitate discussion and useful testing

Testing:

• Understanding a range of techniques for testing prototypes and finished information products with their intended audiences. There is a wide range of techniques, which vary according to the medium used and the intended process and audience(s). Designers must select and manage suitable methods for each project.

Co-ordination:

• The ability to work well with a range of specialties and yet to act as 'professional amateur' in such teams, representing the user

Accessibility:

• Understanding what accessibility means for an intended audience
• The ability to assess risk realistically. Information design is actually all about accessibility in the wider sense.

Specification:

• Understanding chosen production media and processes
• The ability to specify to production specialists in a wide range of industries (print, video, software, web, product manufacturers) clearly and efficiently