The preliminary stage of process of information design originates
in discovery. It is essential in the process of information design to ask
important questions that will become key factors in developing a great strategy
for the information design project.
A few basic examples
of questions are as follows:
Who is the
organizations target audience?
What type of
content will be needed for the project?
Where should the
information appear?
Why is the
information needed for organization?
Once all the information is gathered from asking all the
important questions, one will have enough information to start to create a creative brief. A creative brief is a
document that includes all the information a client will need in order to
inform them of all the discoveries and strategies that will be conducted for
the project. A standard creative brief includes
information such as project information, client information, project goals and
the logistics of the project. Overall the information included in the creative
brief is to have clear communication with everyone involved in order to keep
the project running smoothly.
The following stage in the process of information design is
to essentially determine personas. According to Kim Baer author of Information Design Workbook, a persona
is a brief profile of a typical user that outlines specific personal
attributes, desires, needs, habits, and capabilities (Baer, 2008). The development
of personas are a tool that secures the design choices are set to the target
audience needs and expectations.
Once the previous stages are done, it is time for the
information designer to begin the process of developing a prototype that can be tested on targeted audiences. Testing the prototype is the most important
and final stages of the process. Depending
on the project, there are tests conducted such as concept tests, participatory
design, design testing, usability testing, focus groups, beta testing and
performance testing (Baer, 2008). These tests then become a warranty for success
in the design.
Baer, Kim, and Jill Vacarra. Information Design
Workbook: Graphic Approaches, Solutions, and Inspiration 30 Case Studies.
Beverly, MA: Rockport, 2008. Print.




Love the green you used for you graphics, look very powerful on this black background. Nice job, with your breakdown of the process.
ReplyDeleteBev Shaff
Cindy - Your breakdown of the information design process from discovery to testing is extremely clear and concise. The way you've touched on the essentials from the important questions to developing a great strategy in an information design project is really on point! Great job.
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