Information Design

What is Information Design?

Imagine a map. At first glance, it appears to be a neutral guide—a tool for navigating space. But look closer: what is included, what is omitted, and how is it represented? Information design is not just about making information visible; it is about the choices, priorities, and values embedded in the aesthetics of a data-driven society. A map that highlights borders emphasizes division; one that illustrates trade routes foregrounds connection. Information design shapes perception and, in doing so, influences how we imagine and interpret reality. An information designer critically examines these normative frameworks, questioning the borders drawn and the connections made, to explore what alternative possibilities might emerge.

Why information design?

Data and algorithms form the foundational building blocks of information technology—and, by extension, the fabric of 21st-century society. These forces underpin the infrastructures of transformative fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Virtual Reality, the Metaverse, Big Data, Crypto Currencies, Smart Cities, and Bioinformatics. While these domains are often explored through the lenses of computer science and mathematics, design serves a pivotal role in bridging the gap between humans and technology. It enables data to become visible, explorable, and comprehensible, fostering critical reflection on how these technological frameworks shape societal values and structures.

Information designers play a vital role in shaping how people interact with and understand technology. They translate complex systems into accessible narratives, enabling individuals and communities to critically engage with the hidden layer that governs much of modern life. By making the abstract tangible, information design opens pathways for inquiry, dialogue, and transformation. It offers not only intellectual and creative fulfillment but also opportunities for impactful and well-compensated careers across sectors such as start-ups, NGOs, corporations, journalism, and academia.