Information design is the visualization of information to enhance understanding and communication. One of the pioneers of information design was physician and science writer Fritz Kahn (1888-1968). He worked with graphic designers, illustrators, and others to create, “concepts for illustrations that combined both entertainment and information” (Tedx Talks, 2019). By visually comparing bodily functions with mechanical processes people were already familiar with Kahn not only made the concepts easier to understand but made the audience more open to the material presented. This approach was especially effective when addressing normal but often sensationalized bodily functions.
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| Fritz Kahn, Erection, 1939 |
Modern information design is a growing field whose purpose is the same, to engage the audience visually and efficiently communicate information. However, since Kahn’s day the formats available to express the message have grown exponentially. Information design can be used to create anything from simple road signs to complex digital interfaces, and can be experienced in a variety of forms in the real world and/or virtually on any number of digital platforms.
As tempting as it may be to start with the end product in mind information designers must focus on the end user instead. Through observation and research they must consider how the end user will understand and interact with the information. Then using the tools below determine the most effective way to communicate the necessary information:
- color
- type style
- weight and scale
- structure
- grouping
- graphic elements
- imagery
- sound and motion (Baer, 2008, p.89)
Information designer Giorgi Lupi believes that beauty can play a critical role in design but must be paired with functionality to achieve great results (School of Visual Arts, 2016).
Baer, K. (2008). Information design workbook: Graphic approaches, solutions, and inspiration. Rockport Publishers, Inc.: Rockport.
Dream Anatomy: Gallery: Fritz Kahn: Man as Industrial Palace. (2018, March 13). Retrieved January 27, 2019, from https://www.nlm.nih.gov/dreamanatomy/da_g_IV-A-01.html
Fritz Kahn » About. (n.d.). Retrieved January 27, 2019, from http://www.fritz-kahn.com/about/
RMIT University. Three Minutes on Information Design| RMIT University. (2015, June 21). Retrieved January 27, 2019, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFAmJsQW8uQ
School of Visual Arts. Giorgi Lupi - Information Designer. (2016, May 3). Retrieved January 27, 2019 from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaYU-gStjUs
Tedx Talks. Fritz Kahn, Grandfather of Information Design | Thilo von Debschitz | TEDxRheinMainSalon. (2015, October 27). Retrieved January 27, 2019, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UjjX1Vvje4
UI/UX Analysis and Critique. Information Design: Why Should I Know it?. (2018, November 8). Retrieved January 27, 2019 from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NDdVhOMsko
