I've only recently figured out that 'infomation designer' might be my tagline. So not only is Tom a really inspiring teacher, this is a great opportunity to help myself define what I actually do, in a way I might communicate to others. Thanks Tom!

Step 1: Brainstorm

What is a information designer exactly? In my case, a one-trick-pony graphic designer, 5/8ths of an instructional designer, and a lapsed architect who really only wanted to draw how environments fit together.

Tools of an Information Designer - image 1 - student project

Process came out strongly while thinking about what I do - a gradual change from paper and pen to digital tools. I also started playing with ink while listing things, which helped me think!

Step 2: Sketches

Pretty soon after I started sketching, I began to wonder what's the best way to represent 'information'? It's conversations, documents, a hefty dose of Google, more reading.... and then distilling all that information down into something digestible.

I can sit and mull on things for ages, so for this project I'm forcing myself to do it quickly.

Tools of an Information Designer - image 2 - student project

Sketch 1: Isometric is my go-to style, so I started with the computer, and then tried to represent the previous stages stretching out as if on a table top. I have a mesh pencil case that could be pretty cool as a inky texture.

Tools of an Information Designer - image 3 - student project

Sketch 2: The first one wasn't really in the spirit of the 60's vibe, so wanted to try a flat 2D version

Tools of an Information Designer - image 4 - student project

Sketch 3: The boxes for the icons gave me an idea - maybe a process or a pinball type drawing - where a dynamic line bounces around icons? It'll be more than 5 things though.

Hmmmm..... not really getting the most important part - making connections in the information and then drawing or structuring a document. I think I'll go with sketch 3, but try and show the information more dynamically.

After feedback

After Tom's challenge to keep it to physical objects and not get distracted by icons or processes, I rethought what I use, especially those with good shapes

1. Some really great pens and my favourite mesh pencil case

2. Lots of photocopy paper, that comes in a distinctive wrapper

3. My A4 clipboard folder to protect my drawings, got some nice details - elastic to close and rivets, and its a bit beat up, so could do some inky texture.

4. Sticky notes - but what makes a sticky note look like a sticky note? The colour and the shape?

5. Samsung Note 4... such a great tool. But from a physical point of view, the back of it is more interesting with the camera lens and textured back, and the stylus.

6. My laptop, which is often covered in fingerprints

7. Lots of books

8. Headphones for Skype calls ( I work remotely a lot)

Its more than I thought. So I'll drop the books, which leaves 7... maybe combine the paper and folder, which makes 6. (cheat!) When closed, the laptop is a bit boring, but if I draw the phone sitting on top of it and connect it with the cable to as a 'digital object group', that makes 5. Or maybe only have half a laptop. Let's see what it looks like drawn.

Tools of an Information Designer - image 5 - student project

First attempt

Tools of an Information Designer - image 6 - student project

Second attempt

Lisa Draws Ideas

Information Designer

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