Suggests that visual communicators have much to learn from Rudolf Modley, who designed many pictorial symbols in the 1930s and 1940s worthy of study. Argues that his call for an international system of symbols is as pressing and pertinent today as it was when he made it over 20 years ago. (SR)

Examines two ways that graphics and graphic techniques can help communicate technical topics visually: by helping readers navigate through a manual; and by helping readers better understand the material in the manual. (SR)

Describes the visual counterparts of 14 figures of speech and their usefulness to designers of illustrations, visual symbols, and hypermedia. (SR)

Shows how the "Boston Globe" brings words, diagrams, illustrations, and photographs together in evocative information packages. Traces the process of discussion and decision making among reporters, editors, art directors, and graphic artists as the team chooses concepts the graphics will illustrate, and produces the graphics themselves. (SR)

Discusses the problem of using graphics in international documents, since graphics are not universal unless expressly designed as such. Discusses how to plan international graphics, pitfalls to avoid, wordless instructions, and text. Offers a checklist for cultural and national differences. (SR)

Argues that effective hypermedia designs should meet four goals: (1) minimize clutter so that the document looks and feels simple to use; (2) create an image appropriate to the corporate sponsor and to the users' expectations; (3) provide ready access to stored information; (4) minimize the effort, technology, and resources needed. (SR)

Presents a 17-item annotated list of essential books on information design chosen by members of the InfoDesign e-mail list. Includes a 113-item unannotated bibliography of additional works, on topics of creativity and critical thinking; visual thinking; graphic design; infographics; information design; instructional design; interface design;…

Discusses how hypermedia interfaces can use graphic design and language to help users of hypermedia programs to structure a cognitive approach to information retrieval. Argues that such interfaces should acknowledge the medium's limits, identify authorship levels, define a program model, provide overviews, and narrow the navigation functions. (SR)