User Experience Design for Technical Communication: Expanding Our Notions of Quality Information Design

Abstract

Information design has traditionallyfavored instrumentalist and rationalist models ofcommunication over more rich, experienced-based models, defining a 'good' text as one that enables users meet their goals with expedience. This paper critiques the expedient view ofinformation design by offering a briefhistory of information design, and then presenting an alternative perspective derivedfrom experience design literature to show what might characterize an expanded notion of information design. This new model argues for addressing people 's emotional, psychological, physical, and social needs, as well as their cognitive ones and thereby redefining a 'good' text as one that embraces the complexity ofhumanity. This expanded notion of information design embodies Jurgen Habermas' concept ofcommunicative rationality which counters the ethic of expedience inherent in most information design literature andpractice.

The Learning Experience Designer Skillset: Employer Expectations

“…Unger and Chandler (2012) defined UXD as creating and synchronizing the elements that affect user experience in a company to influence their perceptions and behavior. Williams (2007) added that UXD is about designs that help us achieve goals by stimulating and satisfying our intellects, pleasing our emotions, and engaging our senses. At the same time, Borriraklert and Kiattisin (2021) stated that UXD is a way to make innovations work by observing a person’s emotion and the usability of a product, service, or system.…”