Information Interaction Design:
A Unified Field Theory of Design

by Nathan Shedroff
Creative Director
vivid studios

The most important skills in the next decade and beyond will be the abilities to create information and experiences for others that are valuable, compelling, and empowering. To do this, we must learn new ways of organizing and presenting data and information. Whether this is done for traditional print products, electronic products, interactive experiences or live performances makes little difference. Neither does it matter if we are employing physical or electronic devices or our own bodies and voices. The process of creating anything is roughly the same. The processes of solving problems, responding to audiences, and communicating to others, in any medium, are enough alike to consider identical for the purposes of this paper. These issues apply across media and experiences. Because these directly address the phenomena of information overload, information anxiety, media literacy, media immersion, and technological overload-all of which are important problems that need better solutions.

The intersection of these issues can be addressed by the process of Information Interaction Design, described in this paper. In other circles, it is called simply Information Design, Information Architecture, or Interaction Design. In some circles it is called Instructional Design. In others, Common Sense. What everyone does constantly is create or engineer interactions, presentations, and experiences for others. This pervasive need can be addressed by one process for production of every book, directory, catalog, newspaper, or television program. It can also be used for producing every CD-ROM, kiosk, presentation, game, and online service, as well as every dance, music, comedy, or theater performance. The traditions and technologies change with every venue, but the process does not-or should not.

Contents:

Information Design
The Continuum of Understanding
Organizing Things

Advanced Organizations
Multiple Organizations
Metaphors
Goals and Messages
Clarity

Interaction Design
Continuums of Interactivity

Control
Productivity and Creative Experiences
Adaptive Experiences

The Experience Cube
Sensorial Design

Media Differences
Style and Meaning

Conclusion?

 

Information Interaction Design is the intersection of three different disciplines: Information Design, Interaction Design, and Sensorial Design. Information Design's roots are in the publishing and graphic design worlds, although few people in these worlds intentionally practice them. This discipline addresses the organization and presentation of data-thus the transformation of data into valuable, meaningful information. It is something that everyone has always done to some extent, mostly unconsciously, but has only recently been identified as a discipline in itself with proven processes that can be employed or taught. Unfortunately, there are precious few sources for learning about the practices of either Information or Interaction Design.

Interaction Design (in essence, story creating and storytelling) is at once both an ancient art and a new technology. Media have always affected the telling of stories and the creation of experiences, but currently new media offer capabilities and opportunities not yet addressed in the history of interaction and performance. In particular, the demands of interactivity are often misunderstood by all but the most experienced storytellers and performers. How these skills are expressed through interactive technologies and what demands and interests audiences will have for these remains to be understood. Consequently, there are also few sources of information about these issues and techniques used to meet them. This is a new territory that is desperate for some new ideas an cogent explanations. It is also the most critical component to the success of interactive products.

Sensorial Design is simply the employing of all techniques with which we communicate to others, involving all senses. Visual Design disciplines such as Graphic Design, Videography, Cinematography, Typography, Illustration, and Photography are usually the first to be recognized and employed (right after writing), but just as important are the disciplines that communicate through other senses. Sound Design and Engineering, Musical Performance, and Vocal talents are also useful in the appropriate circumstances. In fact, sometimes they are the only appropriate media to create in. Tactile, Olfactory, and kinesthetic senses are rarely employed (often due to technological or market constraints) but are just as valid and can add enriching detail to an experience.

The disciplines of these sensorial media are worlds unto themselves, with their own histories, traditions, and concerns. To learn each well takes time and skill and is more than can be expected of any one person. Therefore, it is important for everyone to learn, at least, an overview of the important issues and techniques of each discipline so that these can be employed correctly in presenting ideas and communicating messages-especially within a team. In each of these areas, then, experienced experts should participate in employing the various media in support of a project's information and interaction goals and messages.

These levels of understanding are significant because they define the boundaries with which we can create and communicate. While Information Design is most involved in the representation of data and its presentation, Interaction Design is involved in the creation of compelling experiences. When designing projects, I usually find it easier to start with the information design process if a lot of data already exists and interaction design if not. The following sections describe processes I have found useful for both.

 

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Copyright 1994 Nathan Shedroff
Creative Director
vivid studios
510 Third Street, Suite 200, Box 7
San Francisco, CA 94107

 

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