Information Graphics

Whilst studying for a Masters of Design, Iain discovered a book called 'Beautiful Evidence' by Edward Tufte that completely changed the direction of his studies.

Tufte had produced a number of books looking at the history of Information Graphics and how it has been used to explain a wide a varied range of information through history. These books became essential reading as he enthusiastically demonstrates to the reader how graphic design and data presentation can be a very powerful tool that can affect emotion, decision-making, and thinking.

Tufte's love for the subject inspired Iain to create his own information graphics and this page documents some of the other outcomes that Iain has created over the last few years. 
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Streetsport - Research Conference Poster

Streetsport is a design-led programme that aims to reduce instances of youth crime and anti-social behaviour; while promoting health and wellbeing through sport, physical activity and creative endeavours. 

Based in Service-learning, where studio activities meet street-level issues, Streetsport offers students a way to develop enhanced graduate attributes through applied design driven methods and skills within the context of a city wide initiative.

Iain was invited to design information graphics for this A0 size research poster which was diplayed at the Innovate to Stimulate’ conference which was held at the Robert Gordon University.

The poster presented an overview of the project plus data for locations that the events have taken place in across Aberdeen, yearly participation statistics, applied design process and applied creative design skills.

Core Skills Academic/Commercial Practice

As part of the Core Skills project at Gray's information graphics were created to explain the design process.

The first image looks at the ‘Academic Design Process’ and explains the process from initial studio briefing through to outcome. This was created to allow students to follow a logical structure in their design processes so they can check that they are considering basic design issues at each stage of the process.

The second information graphic looks at the ‘Commercial Design Process’ and follows a similar structure to the Academic model, but with key changes within the inclusion of the client contact points (grey sections). These discuss the requirements of dealing with paying customers and whether this ensures good customer care, communication, and notes key points to highlight when approval for costs or critical choices are made.

Guide to Erasmus & Placement Schemes

sThis project required Iain to design two information graphics, which would explain the process of signing up and taking part in the Erasmus and Placement schemes, which runs in the third year of student study at Gray’s School of Art.

Both schemes have quite particular sets of events that have to happen at key points through the academic year and the information graphics were designed to explain this in a simple and easy to navigate method while providing an extensive list of key dates that students had to meet to sign up and get the best from the opportunities provided.

Both Information Graphics have been successfully used to introduce students to the two schemes by academic staff and A2 prints have also been posted in studio noticeboards to allow them to look through the information in more detail.