When creating instructional images, there are multiple factors that have to be kept into consideration. Some of those considerations include the finding out the purpose of the graphic, researching, and discovering the best way to showcase the final product. In addition to these considerations, one very important factor to consider is the audience that the design will appeal too. Essentially, the images has to appeal the vast majority of the population that will encounter it.
In a 2006 census, the Census Bureau discovered that 1 in 5 American residents spoke a language other than English at home. The census is revealing that if instructional images are directed specifically at an English speaking audience, then it is a possibility that many will be excluded comprehending the purpose of graphic and instructional design.
In a sense, graphic design has to be come universal. Universal design is the broad-spectrum solution for instruction that can be understood by everyone. In the case of our culture today, the audience that graphic designers are appealing to is very diverse. This is then causing graphic designers to evaluate what they produce to ensure that a majority of the audience that encounters their design is included in understanding what message is trying to be conveyed.
In the first 2 pictures above, the signs were created to appeal to 2 different audiences: Spanish and Englishing groups, but these signs are just one way to make instruction universal. In the 3rd picture the customer spits in the box, because the person who has dyslexia misinterpreted the sign. All audiences that have to be considered when creating design for instruction. Therefore, designing graphics for instruction has to strive to become more inclusive rather then exclusive so that all can understand the message that is intended.
I agree with Troy that there is a need for inclusivity in design, using design principles that will allow as many as possible to take meaning from a given visual. I do see with the internet a "niching", that severely limits what is commonly referred to as "mass market". Soon we will view those websites, blogs, programs, that cater to our interests and advertisements will correspond accordingly. Marketers will market (even more so) to a specific niche instead of to the masses. With this comes the need to ensure that situations which effect us all, driving, eating out, schools, are inclusive and that with the "niching" that comes with the new internet we don't lose sight of this.
ReplyDeleteI think Troy is right about universal design as well and I'd like to expand a bit on the graphic about dyslexia. I am intrigued by the ideas and research relating to designing e-learning opportunities for those with disabilities. Not just learning disabilities like dyslexia but those who are blind and deaf as well. If universal design means that everyone can understand something how do we cater to that population? I would definitely like to learn how to incorporate techniques into the instructional design we do in order to create effective images for all people, including those with disabilities.
ReplyDeleteBeing a non-native English speaker I feel the need to comment to this blog. I definitively agree with Troy that universal design is something everyone has to consider when creating an image. We do not know who is going to be looking at the image that we create. I think that the less words that are used in an image, in any particular language the more universal that image becomes. For example, we all know the sign for no smoking; we do not need any words accompanying it in order to understand the purpose of the image. It doesn’t matter if the person speaks English or not, it might be someone with dyslexia like Troy mentioned or some other illness. Therefore, is important to consider all audiences. The key of universal design is that everyone is able to understand what he or she sees without necessarily knowing the language.
ReplyDeleteUniversal design is everywhere! I am so used to seeing it in the elementary school setting. Most of the signs, posters, labels, etc. in my school include pictures. For instance, all of the big furniture and things we use on a daily basis are labeled with the English word and a picture (door, clock, calendar, desk, flag etc). This helps the kids associate the text with an object and eventually they have looked at the word enough they can recall it out of context.
ReplyDeleteLike Diana I really enjoyed the picture about dyslexia. I have never given this much thought but it has such a great point behind it. I also like how these are considerations taken into designing e-learning.
I was thinking along the same lines as Jen in that the Universality of design includes those who have different abilities. I would like to learn more about how to integrate tools with design to meet the needs of these people.
ReplyDeleteOn a side note, Troy, the font you used in your post was very difficult to read. I had to enlarge my screen to comfortably read the text.
Design accessibility has been mentioned in a few comments, and I totally agree that as designers it is something we must keep in mind when we analyze our audience.
ReplyDeleteHere is a great article which talks about involving end users in your project from the beginning.
http://www.w3.org/WAI/users/involving.html
We have done this to some extent, but not from the very on start of a project. If time permits, we have done a pilot test with a sample target market, but that is after the prototype has been created. Although the article is more focused on actual web content, the steps outlined can certainly apply to instructional design and its end users.