Info design is the process of presenting data in a manner that promotes an effective and efficient understanding of that data. The term is becoming widely used for a particular discipline of visual communication related to showing information efficiently, instead of simply attractively or aesthetically. This is because the aim of Info design is to convey information in such a way that it can be understood by the targeted audience. Info design focuses on making the information user-friendly and attractive. The end product would be that the information provided should not only be informative but should also be well-designed, well presented, and easy to understand and use.
In terms of technical background, information design would include the interaction design, typography, page layout, image layout, visual design, and other related fields. One of the key principles behind information design is the principle of conflict resolution – when different people with different sets of expectations try to fulfill some needs that may arise from the presentation. Thus, the entire process is an ongoing one and involves constant evaluation. An important facet of this process is the fact that it should foster a positive feedback cycle that would help in getting better results from the initial stages and improving the overall output.
Info design would involve designing for different types of audiences – mainly business audiences, government audiences, and educational audiences. Sometimes graphic designs are required for presentations made in such professional fields as finance or advertising. Information designed in such professional fields would need to be highly informative and well presented so as to be easily understood. Most information designed by Info design professionals would require intensive research and use of specialized software and knowledge of specialized art forms.
One of the most significant developments in the field of Graphic design came about with the introduction of Adobe Flash. Flash, which is a multimedia software is able to create highly intractable, detailed, animated graphics that have the power to persuade and influence customers. The information may be designed in a dynamic way in order to achieve the intended audience and effect.
For example, a simple diagram of a product could be transformed into a highly interactive and graphic representation with the help of Flash design. This information is more likely to attract customers and lead them towards buying the product. It would also help customers to browse through the various options that are available with the particular product or service and decide on the one that they would like to buy. Information design and graphic design go hand in the creation of effective information products.
In the past, the art of creating information visualized by means of illustrations was called graphic design. However, with the advancements in information technology, it has now become part of the info product. Graphic design is also related to visual communication and media production. This means that any form of information can be visualized and made attractive depending on its suitability and effectiveness. Info product such as logos, business cards, posters etc., are created through this particular process.