Information Design

Data is the byproduct of research, investigation, analysis and discovery. As such, it is common as dust.

• In its raw state it is of little value.
• It takes an organizing hand to shape and form data into something people can and want to use.
• Data isn't valuable as communication because it isn't a complete message. It is largely useful to producers who are the ones involved in shaping it.
• Dumping data on people is a good way to make them walk away from you

Information design is a process for turning data into knowledge.

• The process begins with an objective.
• The second stage of the process involves gathering raw data through research and observation.
• The third stage involves sorting data, filtering out what's not useful, until a pattern emerges that can be structured as information.
• The fourth stage involves deciding which information is relevant to your objective.
• The fifth stage involves offering your information in the context of a unified design so others can see it, understand it and use it as knowledge.