informationsdesign

Informationsdesign, or information design, is the discipline that focuses on presenting information in ways that are easy to understand and use. It concerns the selection, organization, and presentation of data, facts, and messages to support accurate interpretation, quick learning, and informed decision making. The aim is to reduce cognitive effort and misinterpretation while preserving precision and context.

It integrates graphic design, data visualization, information architecture, user experience design, cartography, and cognitive psychology. Methods include structuring information hierarchies, selecting appropriate charts and diagrams, typography, color coding, layout, labeling, icons, and interactive elements. It emphasizes audience needs, context, and tasks, often incorporating user testing and iterative refinement.

Historically, information design developed alongside advances in statistics, cartography, and visual communication. The field has been shaped by designers and researchers in graphic design, data visualization, and human-computer interaction, and by the growing demand for clear public information, technical instructions, and data-driven decision making. Ethical presentation and avoidance of misleading visuals are core concerns.

Applications include government reports, instructional manuals, dashboards, signage and wayfinding systems, websites and apps, data journalism, and scientific communication. Effective information design improves accessibility for diverse users, supports decision making in business and policy, and helps readers notice patterns and relationships in complex information.

Education and practice: Information designers work in government, industry, media, and research, often with backgrounds in graphic design, information science, or human-computer interaction. Core skills include user research, information architecture, visual analytics, and proficiency with design and data tools.