Your questions answered

Sue Walker and Mark Barratt answer some frequently asked questions on information design

What's the difference between an information designer and a graphic designer?
Information designers may have a graphic design background, but they are interested in understanding more than just style. They are particularly concerned with the ease with which information can be accessed and understood by the user. They are likely to want to involve some kind of user evaluation in their working method.

How can I measure the benefits of information design?
It depends on the kind of design problem. Some benefits are easily measurable: if a form is easy to understand and to fill in, an organisation is likely to receive fewer phone calls or bad applications. Business process analysis should reveal places where measurement will be useful. Much good information design is not noticed: from the user's perspective it is transparent - it does not get in the way of them finding out what they need to know or do so they don't comment on it directly.

Where can I study information design?
The most established undergraduate course (1968) that embodies information design principles is the BA Design for Graphic Communication at The University of Reading. It includes theory, history and practice of information design. The BA (Hons) Multimedia and Communication Design at Coventry University is a three-year course with work placement scheme and strong links with both traditional and contemporary employers. It takes an information design approach, with emphasis on creating communication artefacts which are appropriate to a specified audience and purpose.

What opportunities are there for studying information design at postgraduate level in the UK and overseas?
MA Information Design is one of four taught postgraduate programmes offered by the Department of Typography & Graphic Communication at The University of Reading. The course External Examiner is Dr Robert Waller, Principal of Enterprise IG Information Design Unit.