Impactful Decisions in Information Presentation driven by User Objectives
In the digital age, information designers play a crucial role in helping people navigate the world by translating raw data into relevant and understandable information. This process is essential in reducing information anxiety, a state that occurs when information does not provide the desired or needed information, as defined by graphic designer and information visualization pioneer, Richard Saul Wurman.
To create information visualizations that are perceptually accessible and engaging, designers employ several strategies.
Applying Gestalt principles such as proximity, similarity, enclosure, and figure-ground helps group related information and create visual order, making it easier for users to perceive patterns without confusion. Minimizing cognitive load is also key, achieved by showing only essential information, avoiding dense legends or overly complex color coding, and using plain language and clear labels.
Chunking and progressive disclosure are techniques used to group related data into manageable units and reveal details progressively, ensuring users are not overwhelmed with too much data at once. Maintaining visual consistency with consistent use of typography, colors, and graphic elements across the visualization reduces the effort needed to interpret the data and avoids confusion.
Employing minimalist design principles, like Tufte’s data-ink ratio, eliminates unnecessary decoration without making the visualization emotionally flat. Some emotional framing (visceralization) can aid understanding if done carefully, as it can help users connect with the data on a personal level.
Incorporating interactive elements and storytelling, where appropriate, engages users actively, allowing them to explore data at their own pace and uncover insights more intuitively.
These strategies combined create visualizations that are not only easy to understand but also engaging, thereby lowering the risk of information anxiety.
In specific contexts, such as healthcare or disaster zones, understanding the user needs and the context in which they will be using the information design is crucial before selecting the data necessary for providing them with the insights they need.
For example, in the healthcare sector, understanding the information people need to perform their tasks is the starting point of designing information visualizations. In the case of newly diagnosed diabetes patients, emotional and informational needs beyond immediate instructions, primarily focusing on acceptance and understanding of the general situation, are essential.
Data should be translated into terms that users can relate to in a context of use, such as 'the size of a fist' or 'the size of a tennis ball'. User goals should influence design decisions at all steps of the information visualization design process, from defining the problem to defining the interaction required from the visualization.
In the context of nuclear disaster zones, data on radiation levels must be translated into clear, understandable information to be valuable to users.
In conclusion, information visualization design is a process that requires a deep understanding of the user's needs and context. By following best practices and incorporating user-centered design principles, designers can transform raw data into valuable, engaging, and easy-to-understand information that empowers users to make informed decisions.
Graphic design and user research are essential parts of the information visualization process, as designers aim to understand user goals and context before selecting the data necessary for providing them with the insights they need.
Interaction design, data-and-cloud-computing, and technology are integral to creating engaging visualizations, as they enable the use of interactive elements and storytelling, which allow users to explore data at their own pace and uncover insights more intuitively.
