Information/Instructional Design: Definition

Information design is the practice of translating unorganised or unstructured data into valuable, meaningful and structured information. Information designers must consider the selection, structuring and presentation of the data, in relation to the specific target audience at which the information is aimed, to ensure the information can be used efficiently and effectively. Information designers draw on a variety of applied interdisciplinary skills including typography, graphic design, writing and editing, linguistics and computing, combining these skills with and understanding of human factors and psychology, in order to convey information in a manner which is appropriate and attractive to the intended audience. In more modern times, information designers are usually required to adapt the information for display in several different outputs, using different technologies and media to address multiple audiences.

Instructional design is the systematic development of instructional strategies and tools to facilitate learning, using knowledge of how people learn and understanding the needs of the learners to ensure the quality and effectiveness of the instruction. The process for developing instructional design usually involves analysing the needs and objectives of the learner, and then designing and developing an instructional delivery system to meet those needs and objectives, often using technology and interactive multimedia as tools to enhance instruction. After implementing an instructional strategy, evaluating the outcomes is an important tool for gauging the effectiveness of the solution. Instructional design is traditionally entrenched in cognitive and behavioural psychology, as understanding the most appropriate and effective methodology for delivering instruction results in effective, efficient and appealing instructions, which are all signs of good instructional design.