All design--whether for buildings, computer systems, store interiors, or communication products--is problem solving. According to the European-based International Institute for Information Design, information design involves:

Implicit to this definition is a systematic approach to analyzing and preparing plans for communication products for their intended purposes and audiences, while working within the business constraints of the project.

The better that designers understand the problems they're addressing, and the larger the "toolbox" of solutions, the more innovative, creative and, most importantly, effective, the solutions they devise.

This website provides information designers with insights, tutorials, and worksheets to assist them in preparing the content for communication products. It guides designers through the process of analyzing design probems and establishing observable and measurable goals for a project, designing the form and function of a communication product, and setting its product guidelines.

This website also offers some tips for designing specific types of communication products and for developing them. A companion website on The Commerce of Content explores the business side of information design and provides resources for planning and managing projects, as well as issues related to people and business management.

If you have feedback or suggestions about the resources provided here, please contact me. (Clicking on my name starts an e-mail message.)

prepared by
Saul Carliner, Ph.D., CTDP
Information Architect
The Studio of Saul Carliner