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These days, information is a commodity being sold. And…

“These days, information is a commodity being sold. And designers-including the newly defined subset of information designers and information architects-have a responsible role to play. We are interpreters, not merely translators, between sender and receiver. What we say and how we say it makes a…” quote by Erik Spiekermann
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“These days, information is a commodity being sold. And designers-including the newly defined subset of information designers and information architects-have a responsible role to play. We are interpreters, not merely translators, between sender and receiver. What we say and how we say it makes a difference. If we want to speak to people, we need to know their language. In order to design for understanding, we need to understand design.”

Erik Spiekermann

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Information designers must interpret, not just translate, requiring deep audience insight to shape meaning.

In simple terms: Design interprets for audience.

Key Takeaway

Learn audience language to design effectively.

Themes

design communication interpretation audience insight

Mood

analytical thoughtful

Type

professional educational

When to use this quote

  • marketing
  • UX design
  • education

Key Concepts

semiotics cognitive psychology information architecture

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you ensure accurate interpretation?
  • What methods reveal audience language?
A Different Perspective

Misinterpretation can cause misinformation.

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