Outcomes of the Information Design Conference, held in Jan. 2004 at the University of Tilburg.

The technological revolution of the last ten years has radically changed document designers' materials, processes, and tools of the trade. In short, choices about everything from typography and color to planning and production have changed -- even multiplied. The first new text for the college market in ten years, Kimball and Hawkins' Document Design assumes from the start that students are working online to produce a fuller range of print and online documents, designed and delivered differently in a digital world. Through practical, accessible advice and examples, Kimball and Hawkins lay out the array of elements and choices that document designers need to consider, all in the context of a rhetorical framework that allows students to see the effects of those choices. The only text to integrate a range of theoretical perspectives, visual perception, visual culture, and visual rhetoric, Document Design teaches students to think more critically about their own design decisions and to keep usability in mind every step of the way. True to its message, this artfully designed text practices the principles it teaches and is sure to become a reference that students will keep.

Analysis and design methods for document exchanges that combine and interconnect business processes and services on the Internet.

Finding ways to reduce costs is difficult but the latest books from MC2 Books, Designing a Document Strategy by Kevin Craine has the cure. This book tells managers how to better manage the process that consumes paper, toner, and manpower in every business environment. In support of the book, Craine has unveiled a support website, www.document-strategy.com, offering a preview of the coverage. While there are many books on business strategy and workflow, few tackle the lifeblood of business, the document. Designing a Document Strategy targets managers, technicians and consultants who see the benefit and cost savings inherent in implementing a document strategy. The clearly defined five-phase process can be tailored to any environment. It includes Cause-effect diagrams, flow charts, and ROI formulas that can be copied and put into use. Case examples demonstrate application of the theories in the real world, leading to meaningful and informed action. Regardless of their final recommendations, readers will be more likely to bring about real-world, bottom-line benefits. There is no better educational resource on designing a document strategy than this book. Book reviewers in the document industry give it rave reviews.

Recent research in information and document design explores research by presenting reports of actual research studies in information and document design. It specifically reports on ten studies in the areas of marketing communication (part one), functional communication (part two) and online communication (part three). An introduction places the research into a broader context and explores the different research traditions in the field. This publication is intended for researchers, who consider the different areas of study in information and document design and the different research traditions. The book is also interesting for professors and students in information and document design and related fields: it will serve as a guide in discussions during seminars on research on information and document design. Experienced practicing professionals in the field, who want to keep abreast of current developments in the field and should be prepared for upcoming ones, will benefit from this publication too.

The technological revolution of the last ten years has radically changed document designers' materials, processes, and tools of the trade. In short, choices about everything from typography and color to planning and production have changed -- even multiplied. The first new text for the college market in ten years, Kimball and Hawkins' Document Design assumes from the start that students are working online to produce a fuller range of print and online documents, designed and delivered differently in a digital world. Through practical, accessible advice and examples, Kimball and Hawkins lay out the array of elements and choices that document designers need to consider, all in the context of a rhetorical framework that allows students to see the effects of those choices. The only text to integrate a range of theoretical perspectives, visual perception, visual culture, and visual rhetoric, Document Design teaches students to think more critically about their own design decisions and to keep usability in mind every step of the way. True to its message, this artfully designed text practices the principles it teaches and is sure to become a reference that students will keep.

The goal of communication-oriented design of messages should always be clarity of communication. In information design the task of the sender is actually not completed until the receivers have received and understood the intended messages. Information Design – An introduction includes chapters explaining verbo-visual communication, information and message design principles, design processes, and design tools. These chapters can be seen as a general framework for production of information and learning materials. Based on theories for verbo-visual communication this book presents several practial guidelines for the use of text, symbols, visuals, typography, and layout in information and learning materials. Rune Pettersson is Professor of Information Design at the Department of Innovation, Design and Product Development (IDP) at Mälardalen University in Eskilstuna, Sweden.