This is a small selection of useful reading. We'll update the selection with our current picks so please keep checking.
Journals
Papers in journals provide some of the best and original material.
Information Design Journal 20 euro discount on annual subscription for IDA members
Clarity, the journal focuses on plain language
Society for Technical Communication publications
Visible Language journal
Useful reading lists
Alberto Cairo, information graphics and visualization
Andy Kirk data visualisation
Peter J Bogaards user experience
Simplification Centre, London, UK, information design overview, resources and books
What we've been reading recently
This is some of our recent reading. The current picks are focused on service design and process.
Service Design: From Insight to Implementation Andy Polaine, Lavrans Løvlie & Ben Reason (2013)
An excellent, up-to-date, practical guidebook for how to design services and create great customer experiences.
simple: conquering the crisis of complexity Alan Siegel and Irene Etzkorn (2013)
Argues the case for empathy, clarity, and concision in interactions between organisations and customers.
Designing an Agenda, or, How to Avoid Solving Problems That Aren't Petra Cerne Oven and Barbara Predan (2013)
A very clear explanation of the relationship between theory and practice in information design and service design. Sue Walker (IDA co-chair) says:
“The book is very accessible so will attract a broad readership. In particular it will be of interest to students (particularly those studying information and service design; it is likely to be particularly helpful to Masters’ students keen to specialize in this area). It will also be of considerable interest to people working in government, business and health who are keen to use design in their work. This excellent and stimulating book provides a useful European dimension to the importance and value of design in public sector innovation. […] The book presents a very clear explanation of the relationship between theory and practice in information and service design. Particularly significant is the description of a methodological approach to project work which was exemplified through a 5-month elective seminar in service and information design at Academy of Fine Art and Design in Ljubljana followed by a ‘creative camp’ 2013 for presenting results.”
Chimps, Designers, Consultants and Empathy: A "Theory of Mind" for Service Design Steve New and Lucy Kimbell [presented at the 2nd Cambridge Academic Design Management Conference, 4 – 5 September 2013]
An interesting discussion of the difference between business consultants' and designers' approaches to making recommendations.