International Institute for Information Design

Information design has historically struggled to have its voice heard. It’s common to find lists of design specialisms with every possible niche mentioned except for information design. And from time to time, the name gets co-opted by a particular specialism, who seem not to have heard that it is already in use. In the 2000s, information design meant web design for a while. Currently it means data visualisation for a lot of people.

So it’s important to have institutions that represent information design in its original and full sense – interaction design and data visualisation are only part of the picture, which also includes design for wayfinding, health information, financial communications, legal communications and more.

IIID has been the international body representing the profession since its founding in 1986 by Peter Simlinger. Based in Vienna, it has regional representatives in 20 countries.

IIID activities include

• monthly online talks from experts from around the world
• the IIID Awards
• the Vision Plus series of conferences
• participation in ISO standards committees
• an Education Directory of information design courses
• student projects.

All information designers should join!