My Specialty is Information Design

Feb 28, 2017 | Content, Design

Have you been on a website or app and can’t find the information you want?

The navigation isn’t taking you anywhere, the search bar (if there is one) isn’t giving you answers you need, and you can’t find something that should be simple to find.

Or worse – you’re using a machine or software and trying to finish a process and the steps don’t make sense. Or you need to go back and change something but don’t know how. Or you keep getting an error and you don’t know why. 

My job is to make sure this doesn’t happen.

Technically there are a few names/positions that I do in the user experience field:

Basically I design information, processes, and interactions so that you (the user) can find what you need and/or finish what you started in the most efficient, effective, and engaging way possible.


I call myself an Information Designer.

I design the service or product so that you get the information you want when you need it, including how and when you receive that information.

This means deciding when to use:

  • Media (presents information in images, video, etc.)
  • Modals/popups (gives you additional information)
  • Instructive copy (provides error fixes)
  • Notifications (alerts you to what you pay attention to)
  • Email transactions (reminds you to complete a process)

All of these are different ways, or interactions, that make it a better, easier experience for you.

Designs are based on data, analytics, and psychology.

This isn’t about making something pretty. There are plenty of pretty products out there, but eventually they age, or are not useful, so a better version replaces them.

Creating a feature, laying out a page, or deciding an interaction is about the science of how people interact with technology and information, in the real world and online.

To design a digital interaction, the data tells me that:

  • Eyes follow an “f” or “z” frame on desktop views
  • Eyes get tired with too much contrast
  • Content is skimmed so use bullets and headers wisely
  • Colors can cause someone to pay attention and/or react negatively
  • Interactions need to be consistent for users to trust your site

These guidelines are based on years of research, psychology, and data that comes directly from your users.

My designs will always be based on what works, not what is trendy.

Flash fades (or dies), but your users will never forget how your product makes them feel. Ensure they are content with clean, creative, and concise designs.

tl;dr read my blue section headings