However, when content and visuals are treated as separate entities, the relationship will fail. (1.2) For example, if paragraphs of information are placed on a dark background, the text becomes illegible because the background fails in its function to make the content accessible. A strong relationship between organized information and visual elements makes a web site successful.

What is Information Design and the Role of the Information Architect?

According to The Information Design Association web site, information design "is an inter-disciplinary approach which combines skills in graphic design, writing and editing, illustration, and human factors. Information designers seek to combine skills in these fields to make complex information easier to understand."

Information designers organize content to present it in the most meaningful format for a particular audience. Their role is not to create attractive graphics or strong logos, but to improve the clarity and the function of a product--whether it is a set of instructions on assembling a fish tank, an informational poster on flossing, or a web site dedicated to film reviews. Wherever relatively complex information needs to be made easy to understand or tailored to the needs of a specific audience, user-oriented methods of information design are employed (Kimen). (1.3)

Richard Saul Wurman and Edward Tufte--two leading information architects--have developed theories and principles that were typically applied to print design.