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Information/ Instructional Design

Information design is based on the simple idea of DATA->INFORMATION->KNOWLEDGE->WISDOM. In other words, in order to create a design you first have to collect data, research information, create knowledge on the topic, and then use the design to improve on the information. It also focuses on designing a product or image, for a particular purpose or objective (unlike art which is usually there for sentimental reasons.)
It is said that information design "has the ability to create order out of seemingly inherit chaos." Which means that it can turn data, or facts which would ordinarily seem dull or confusing and transform it to be clearly understood, and appealing to view. It also designs information on for example a website in order to make it easier to navigate.

Information graphics, which is under the umbrella of information design involves three different elements, navigation, instructional, and statistical information. Like information design, information graphics is about revealing the data and making an audience think about the data and not the design. It is important to interactive design, because it helps web designers to use large amounts of data in a small amount of space, without confusing the viewer!

There are two examples below which demonstrate interactive websites using information design to contruct their data. The first is the website for cityrail, showing a map, that obviously a lot of data within in, yet designed in a way in which most people can understand. The second is an image from my facebook page, conveying that even though the site has so many different apps and links, simple navigation techniques has made it easy to use.

Web 2.0

Web 2.0 is a new generation of websites which are dedicated to interaction and influencing its users into participation. Instead of 1.0 websites which are text based only and just intended for the user to read and instead of interrelate. 2.0 sites however allow for:

• Control
  
• Communication with others
  
• Socialization
  
• Creativity and expression
  
• Higher efficiency


• Generally creates a more real and interesting environment for people to understand and rely on

In today's generation, the majority of websites come under the umbrella of 2.0. Interactive sites in fact have twice the popularity of 1.0, and increase in users every single day. Examples include:

• Facebook, Myspace, Bebo, You tube, Twitter, Ebay, Deviant Art, Blogger (coincidently), Wikipedia, Windows live Flickr, Msn, Imdb, etc.

You tube is an interactive website because it allows users to post their own videos, as well as sharing opinions and views on other peoples posts.

Facebook is interactive because eacher user is enabled to set up their own profile, crete information about themselves, as well as partipating in games, quizes, forums, and being able to communicate with other people at the same time.

Blogger is interactive for simular reasons as facebook. Profiles, or blogs (such as this one) can be set up to express views, and opinions, whilst viewing other peoples blogs, and communicating online.

Interactive design

Interactive design. What is it?

For something that is becoming more and more popular and more frequently accessed, a lot of people don't even know what it is. In fact, the majority of people would probably be an everyday user of interactive design and not even realize. So, what exactly is interactive design?

According to Winograd interactive design is "the design of spaces for human communication and interaction", 1997. So in other words, spaces which allow us to interact in passive activity where we can gain feedback, control, creativity, productivity, communication, and adaptivity. Most of the time these spaces are accessed on the internet. Types of internet sites that are classed as being interactive are:

Online communities, like:

• Blogs forums
  
• Internet dating websites
  
• Chat rooms
  

Online shopping websites

Information servers, such as:

• Research sites, like Wiki's
  
• Online educational resources.
  

  Excellent examples of interactive websites are ebay, Deviant Art, and Wikipedia. For instance, ebay allows millions of users to log on simultaneously to post products and items which they wish to sell, and control elements like the price, whether it is auction or simple sale, and who actually deserves the item. This site is very different in comparison to a site that is just text based, because not only do you receive interaction with the website itself but also with other people via the internet.
  

The main two elements of interactive design are:

• Instances where users are forced to respond and engage
  
• Both the designer and the user work together to see an effect or influence which is much greater the initial result.