Improving obesity prevention among university students through a tailored information design approach

University is a critical period for weight gain primarily due to unhealthy changes in eating behavior in students. This is the first study to focus on the impact of tailored information design approaches on the awareness and retention of obesity related information, specifically by university students. A motion graphics was developed through a comprehensive user-centered research and design process that involved a scoping study (observation, questionnaire and focus group), usability testing (five stages of iteration), and a performance test. The results show low previous knowledge and a statistical significant impact on understanding of information with a tailored user-centered motion graphics

Typographic features of text and their contribution to the legibility of academic reading materials: an empirical study

An experimental study provided evidence that text layout affects performance when reading text to search for specific information under time pressure in an examination-type situation. The present paper reports a second experimental study conducted to ascertain whether this effect extends to similar academic reading materials and situations that, contrary to examinations, are performed under no time pressure. Three layouts were used for comparison, which replicated real-life examination materials and represented three distinct levels of legibility. The results revealed that text layout affects performance under conditions of search reading even when time pressure is absent. Moreover, participants performed better with the layout conforming to legibility guidelines and considered this layout to be the easiest to use and the most attractive. In order to understand these findings, an attempt is made to specify a theoretical model of reading in academic-type situations. The model identifies and analyses the stages of the reading process that might be affected by typographic layout and adopts the hypothesis that such effect takes place at the perceptual level of reading. The outcomes from this study will prove useful to those involved in the development of written materials used in academia such as textbooks, journal articles, magazines, and tests

Does typographic design of examination materials affect performance?

The present paper reports three experiments investigating the effect typographic design of examination materials has on performance. Significant differences in performance were always found in all three experiments. These differences were always in favour of text and/or question and answer sheet layouts conforming to legibility guidelines. Participants also considered the questions with these layouts easy to answer. The main conclusion was that text and question and answer sheet layouts displaying a combination of typographic features intended to improve legibility facilitate efficient search reading and answering of questions at the perceptual level of reading. The effect of typographic layout on performance should therefore be considered in order to construct valid and reliable examination materials

Garment label design and companion information to communicate fashion sustainability issues to young consumers

With the rise of fashion consumption and a clear lack of promotional input by retailers on the issues of sustainable fashion, this research shows that there is little awareness particularly among young adults on the issues of fashion sustainability. Therefore, a clear need to inform consumers on how to utilize, care for and dispose of fashion items is necessary to make the important changes to the planet’s fashion waste issues. To this end, this research explores ways of how fashion brands can communicate a more sustainable way of consuming fashion to young consumers in the UK. Focus groups were conducted with the objective of identifying the main issues relating to fashion consumption including the lack of awareness and disposal of garments. These were followed by a collaborative workshop involving young consumers, where a fashion brand was created to educate consumers through information and garment label design solutions using innovative communication strategies. To ascertain the validity of these design solutions, usability testing was then conducted, which identified further design improvements. Although conducted with a small set of participants this collaborative and user-centered research is well positioned to propose innovative solutions to communicate research-based design solutions on how to communicate, educate and change the perception of sustainable fashion among young consumers in the UK

Enhancing bowel cancer surgery recovery through information design

Bowel surgery is the most common treatment for numerous bowel diseases Including cancer. The provision of Information before and after bowel surgery Is an Important element of recovery. Pre-operative education assists In the psychological preparation for surgery, which has been shown to have a positive Impact on patient satisfaction, pain management, and the duration of hospital stay. Traditionally, Information Is provided before surgery and delivered In text heavy written format, which presents a number of challenges, such as patients feeling overwhelmed, especially when diagnoses of cancer and plans for major surgery are discussed concurrently. Previous evidence also shows patients desire to be pro-actively Involved In their recovery. Unfortunately, the development of new education Interventions uncommonly Involves patients and other Information specialists In their design. To tackle this problem, a mixed-methods user-centered design approach was conducted to redesign an existing patient Information booklet In order to meet patient needs and Improve communication among patients and medical staff. For example, among other methods, a 'within co-design' approach was used to Identify stakeholder needs. Several usability tests and Iterations were conducted throughout the design development to create a more visualized design format that follows research-based cognitive and design principles. Empirical testing was then conducted to evaluate and validate the final booklet design, collecting both qualitative and quantitative data. Results show significant differences In performance and users' preference between text dense Information and a combination of text and visualized Information. This In-depth research focusing on the booklet was then followed by the development of companion outputs (website and environmental Infographics) through the same mixed-methods user-centered design approach. All In all, this study provides significant evidence and Important guidelines on how to effectively communicate bowel surgery recovery Information to patients, In order to Increase their understanding and active role In their recovery, as well as minimize their uncertainties and anxiety. Although focusing on a specific scenario, these findings are also widely applicable to many forms of healthcare Information

The impact of neglecting user-centered information design principles when delivering online information: Cyber security awareness websites as a case study

Information design principles are overlooked in cyber security awareness websites. An Information Design Process Model was devised to help frame and interpret how online information is processed and the role information design principles have in facilitating that processing. Two websites were then compared, and results show significant differences in terms of performance, behavior and perception. The results also show that in situations where serious information is at stake (such as cyber security), a more accessible design does not seem to be sufficient to project a sense of trust and security among users. All these findings led to original insights regarding the design of online information in terms of lasting impression and user-centered design approaches

An eye-tracking study examining information search in transit maps. Using China’s high-speed railway map as a case study

This study investigates the legibility of China’s high-speed railway map through eye-tracking measurement. The information searching process was identified by conducting: (1) Scoping stage – a user performance test and interview to inform the design of the eye-tracking study; (2) In-depth stage – an eye-tracking study. A number of visual design problems with the map have been identified. This research explores user-centered design map solutions and provides detailed design guidance for transit maps. It also demonstrates that eye-tracking is an effective method of evaluating the design quality of a transit map as it can identify design limitations and user needs

Patient education about recovery after colorectal surgery: Systematic scoping review

Aim Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols aim to optimize recovery through a series of evidence‐based recommendations. A key component of ERAS is the provision of patient education. Whilst the recommendation for this is strong, the evidence to inform its format, timing and delivery is unclear. The aim of this review was to describe previous educational interventions used to improve recovery after colorectal surgery and to explore opportunities for future research. Methods A systematic scoping review was performed. MEDLINE and Embase databases were searched between 1 January 1990 and 12 February 2020. Studies which described or assessed the effectiveness of a patient education or information resource to improve recovery after colorectal surgery were eligible. Outcomes of interest included the format, timing and delivery of interventions, as well as key features of intervention and study design. A narrative synthesis of data was produced through a process of charting and summarizing key results. Results A total of 1298 papers were inspected, and 11 were eligible for inclusion. Five papers were reports of randomized controlled trials, and others reported a mix of non‐randomized and qualitative studies. The design of educational interventions included audio‐visual resources (n = 3), smartphone device applications (n = 3) and approaches to facilitate person‐to‐person counselling (n = 5). Most of the counselling interventions reported positive outcomes (mainly in length of hospital stay), whereas the other types reported mixed results. Patients and the public were seldom involved as collaborators in the design of interventions. Conclusions Patient education is generally advantageous, but there is insufficient evidence to optimize its design and delivery in the setting of colorectal surgery. Methods: A systematic scoping review was performed. MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched between 1st January 1990 and 12th February 2020. Studies which described or assessed the effectiveness of a patient education or information resource to improve recovery after colorectal surgery were eligible. Outcomes of interest included the format, timing, and delivery of interventions, as well as key features of intervention and study design. A narrative synthesis of data was produced through a process of charting and summarising key results. Results: A total of 1,298 manuscripts were inspected and 11 were eligible for inclusion. Five manuscripts were reports of randomised controlled trials and others reported a mix of non‐randomised and qualitative studies. The design of educational interventions included audio‐visual resources (n=3), smartphone device applications (n=3), and approaches to facilitate person‐to‐person counselling (n=5). Most of the counselling interventions reported positive outcomes (mainly in length of hospital stay), whereas the other types reported mixed results. Patients and the public were seldom involved as collaborators in the design of interventions. Conclusions: Patient education is generally advantageous, but there is Insufficient evidence to optimise its design and delivery in the setting of colorectal surgery

Visualizing the terror threat. The impact of communicating security information to the general public using infographics and motion graphics

Terrorism represents one of the most pressing contemporary security threats. As a consequence, governments provide information to the public on threat levels and on how to respond to terror incidents. To effectively reassure the public, and to increase their vigilance, it is essential that the information communicated is accessible, clear, actionable and engaging. This is the first study to explore the impact of information design principles and visualization of information on the communication of security-related information. Two different but complementary strands were devised: Strand 1 – compared whether more visualised information was more effective than text dense information at communicating to the public; Strand 2 – compared whether a motion graphics was more effective than an infographic at communicating to the public. A survey questionnaire and interview were used to identify problems and needs. Several usability tests and iterations were conducted to develop new design solutions. Empirical testing was then conducted for final evaluation and validation, collecting quantitative and qualitative data. Results show significant differences between pre- and post-knowledge of the Terror Threat Levels. Results also show significant differences between text dense information and more visualised information. Results further show no significant difference between communicating information via an infographic or motion graphics in situations where information needs to be assimilated as a crescendo (i.e. levels of severity) or as a series of steps to be followed (action in an emergency). This study provides important guidelines on how to effectively communicate security information to the public, with practical implications for security agencies