Information Design: An Introduction to This Special Section
http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/stc/tc/2000/00000047/00000002/art00003
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Albers, Michael J.
Technical Communication Online
2000

Abstract:

This article defines information design as being closely related to Kolstenick and Roberts's construct of extra-textual and supra-textual levels, which discuss how the page looks and how text appears on the page, without worrying about the text itself. It includes the white space, the rules, the font choices, use of special typefaces, the placement and ordering of data, and so forth. The actual text sits below this level and is not a part of information design. The author also summarizes the content of this special section's two commentaries, three articles, and bibliography.