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Information Design Workbook: Graphic approaches, solutions, and inspiration + 30 case studies
New in paperback, this workbook is a methodical yet comprehensive approach to conveying the fundamentals of avant-garde, innovative, information design by examining history, theory, criticism, technology and media, process, method, and practice. Opening with a very brief history followed by an instructive breakdown of the discipline, readers get an intimate understanding of the complexities of crafting information design to effectively improve communication both functionally and aesthetically. The back half of the book contains a wide range of case studies from design firms around the world so designers can see the techniques previously outlined in the first half of the book. The author also critiques and explains why the design is successful in terms of formal quality (Aesthetics) and function (How does it improve communication?).
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
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193 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 3, 2018
A solid 4.5 rating for a really short but memorable textbook. The layout has the perfect amount of information, color scheme, and graphics to help me remember all the information. The pages look great too. The only thing that I feel could be better would be if the cases has a bit more information or put together a little better. Until my professor told my class what they were none of us knew they were cases to put the lessons into real-life examples. A heading to show this would be helpful.
June 22, 2015
This book is great at showing the breadth of topics and fields that fall under Information Design.
(I had no idea there was such a thing as Litigation Graphics, and the Civic Design stuff is fascinating too. The interview with a Plain Language expert is adorable, as he tries to give all his responses in plain language too.)
Chapters 2 and 3 introduce the process of info design from an organized perspective---it's almost more about the project-management of such tasks than about how to *do* the component steps.
However, many of the actual examples are printed too small to read the details that make the visualization useful!
So, while there are plenty of case studies, they provide very little inspiration to follow. That is, the associated interviews told me a lot about the work process, in a "day in the life of an info designer" kind of way... but the graphics themselves were just little stylistic glimpses, not big enough to appreciate how the *information* is *designed* to be *useful* (which I thought was the point of the book!)
The bibliography at the very end looks useful. Maybe The Practical Guide to Information Design might have more of what I was expecting from this book.
So, I might recommend this if you're considering hiring an info design expert to help your organization... or if you're about to start your own info design company and already have the core skills, just not the project-management experience... but not if you want to learn the basics of doing info design work yourself.
Ideas for what to tell my Data Visualization students:
* Consider the device type (desktop, laptop, smartphone) your readers will use to access your online infographic
* Consider the audience: demographics (age, eyesight?), language (only one, or several? and if many, then one-at-a-time or all-at-once?), frequency of use (reading this info once, or using as a frequent reference?), etc.
* Assign them a project that involves audience research, personas & scenarios, wireframes, and user testing? ... and remember to iterate!
* p.80, 84: research (uncited) apparently suggests that 6 or 10 people per user-subgroup should be enough to find most of the problems with your design or product
(I had no idea there was such a thing as Litigation Graphics, and the Civic Design stuff is fascinating too. The interview with a Plain Language expert is adorable, as he tries to give all his responses in plain language too.)
Chapters 2 and 3 introduce the process of info design from an organized perspective---it's almost more about the project-management of such tasks than about how to *do* the component steps.
However, many of the actual examples are printed too small to read the details that make the visualization useful!
So, while there are plenty of case studies, they provide very little inspiration to follow. That is, the associated interviews told me a lot about the work process, in a "day in the life of an info designer" kind of way... but the graphics themselves were just little stylistic glimpses, not big enough to appreciate how the *information* is *designed* to be *useful* (which I thought was the point of the book!)
The bibliography at the very end looks useful. Maybe The Practical Guide to Information Design might have more of what I was expecting from this book.
So, I might recommend this if you're considering hiring an info design expert to help your organization... or if you're about to start your own info design company and already have the core skills, just not the project-management experience... but not if you want to learn the basics of doing info design work yourself.
Ideas for what to tell my Data Visualization students:
* Consider the device type (desktop, laptop, smartphone) your readers will use to access your online infographic
* Consider the audience: demographics (age, eyesight?), language (only one, or several? and if many, then one-at-a-time or all-at-once?), frequency of use (reading this info once, or using as a frequent reference?), etc.
* Assign them a project that involves audience research, personas & scenarios, wireframes, and user testing? ... and remember to iterate!
* p.80, 84: research (uncited) apparently suggests that 6 or 10 people per user-subgroup should be enough to find most of the problems with your design or product
January 8, 2026
This book was exactly the kind of practical, well-structured resource I was hoping for. I loved the way it breaks down information design into clear steps and distinct areas of focus. Each section builds on the last in a way that feels intentional and easy to follow, making complex concepts much more approachable.
One of the highlights for me was the case studies from real design studios. Seeing how different teams tackle real-world challenges brought the ideas to life and helped ground the theory in practice. These examples gave me new perspectives on how to think about design problems and solutions.
Overall, the structure and practical insights in this book make it an excellent tool for designers at any stage. Whether you’re new to information design or looking to sharpen your approach, this workbook is a valuable and inspiring guide.
One of the highlights for me was the case studies from real design studios. Seeing how different teams tackle real-world challenges brought the ideas to life and helped ground the theory in practice. These examples gave me new perspectives on how to think about design problems and solutions.
Overall, the structure and practical insights in this book make it an excellent tool for designers at any stage. Whether you’re new to information design or looking to sharpen your approach, this workbook is a valuable and inspiring guide.
March 7, 2019
Great case studies - could spend a lot of time thinking through and appreciating the visual design, both of the book and the elements and approaches that the author chose to highlight. Inspiring, and a reference for future projects!
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February 28, 2023Information Design Workbook: Graphic approaches, solutions, and inspiration 30 case studies by Kim Baer (2010)
January 3, 2022
Rating: 5/5
I received an advanced reader copy through NetGalley. In response, I'm leaving an honest review.
As a UX Designer, a field related to the subject of the book, I was interested when I read the title.
Information Design Workbook, is a non-fiction book about information design, methods, interviews, and case studies in the broad and interesting field of information design.
It begins with a brief introduction to the field and its similar fields, such as UX Design (of which I am a part). In between, there are interviews, which show special paths one can take in the design field and how they apply design in their work.
The other chapters I found very informative to read, explaining different phases in the design process. Like the discovery phase, in which research is very important. In these chapters, a lot of information is shared with the reader, with (a variety of) examples, visuals, and methods.
The book ends with many interesting case studies with examples of design in the real world and how it is implemented. There is a lot to learn from this.
I recommend this book for people who are studying information design (or any other path in the UX design umbrella). Or for people like me, who are working in the field, and want to learn more.
I received an advanced reader copy through NetGalley. In response, I'm leaving an honest review.
As a UX Designer, a field related to the subject of the book, I was interested when I read the title.
Information Design Workbook, is a non-fiction book about information design, methods, interviews, and case studies in the broad and interesting field of information design.
It begins with a brief introduction to the field and its similar fields, such as UX Design (of which I am a part). In between, there are interviews, which show special paths one can take in the design field and how they apply design in their work.
The other chapters I found very informative to read, explaining different phases in the design process. Like the discovery phase, in which research is very important. In these chapters, a lot of information is shared with the reader, with (a variety of) examples, visuals, and methods.
The book ends with many interesting case studies with examples of design in the real world and how it is implemented. There is a lot to learn from this.
I recommend this book for people who are studying information design (or any other path in the UX design umbrella). Or for people like me, who are working in the field, and want to learn more.
May 23, 2023
Not only can you not judge a book by its cover, but in this case, you cannot judge a book by its title. I don't believe in any way can this be considered a "workbook." It's good for providing some inspiration, but the 30 case studies it advertises are high-level summaries of projects followed by a several item Q&A with one or more of the project or team members. The book is well designed and arranged, and some of the projects are interesting, but the amount of actionable knowledge I got from reading this book was minimal.
January 3, 2022
The Information Design Workbook is a useful resource book for anyone that works with Data or any other creative field that has to create, design, make, organize, information for others, whether others are customers or employers, the public, or clients. The case studies were so detailed and every chapter is filled with all the useful information you can need in order to be successful in your design.
March 6, 2011
I like this book as a coffee table sort of book. It has gorgeous illustrations of project work and some great quotes by information designers. However, this book is not a how to book. It doesn't contain information that will help you develop in your skills.
August 9, 2011
Great survey of information design from a variety of angles and with a wide variety of implementations. Information is very diverse, and this book covers the material in a way that showcases that diversity.
April 29, 2019
Though a bit choppy in layout, this mostly visual representation of information design is a must-have in order to learn from the pros how best to organize data in a meaningful way. I would recommend this book for the graphic designer at heart.
May 11, 2014
3 1/2 stars. Some good design tips.
February 19, 2014
Moderately helpful and interesting
January 2, 2015
Not read completely but read enough.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews