Short answer

When designing complex systems, adopt structured visual tools, such as rich pictures with a defined symbol set, to ensure all stakeholder perspectives are understood and incorporated.

Field: Innovation & Design
Source: Edinburgh Napier Research Repository (Edinburgh Napier University) (2013)
Method: Qualitative analysis of rich pictures and facilitation techniques.
Evidence: Moderate effect

Introducing a common key of symbols and a framework for icon understanding within rich pictures significantly improves the interpretation and creation process for complex information systems. This innovation & design research insight is drawn from a 2013 study published in Edinburgh Napier Research Repository (Edinburgh Napier University). Using Qualitative analysis of rich pictures and facilitation techniques., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing complex systems, adopt structured visual tools, such as rich pictures with a defined symbol set, to ensure all stakeholder perspectives are understood and incorporated.

Study

Innovation & DesignHigh ImpactModerate effect

Structured Iconography Enhances Stakeholder Understanding in Complex System Design

Introducing a common key of symbols and a framework for icon understanding within rich pictures significantly improves the interpretation and creation process for complex information systems.

Edinburgh Napier Research Repository (Edinburgh Napier University) · 2013

Key Findings

01Rich pictures, traditionally unstructured, can benefit from the addition of structure in certain contexts.
02A pre-drawing session, a common key of symbols, and a framework for icon understanding provide considerable benefits to both the creator and interpreter of rich pictures.
03A framework supporting the rich picture process and aiding interpretation is valuable for achieving shared understanding.

Application

Design takeaway

When designing complex systems, adopt structured visual tools, such as rich pictures with a defined symbol set, to ensure all stakeholder perspectives are understood and incorporated.

How to apply

When initiating a design project for a complex system, develop a glossary of symbols to be used in diagrams and provide guidance on their interpretation to all involved parties.

Project actions

01When using visual tools like mind maps or concept maps, define your symbols clearly.
02Consider how you will facilitate discussions to ensure all voices are heard.

Method & Evidence

AimTo investigate the impact of structured iconography and facilitation on the effectiveness of rich pictures in capturing comprehensive user requirements for complex information systems.

MethodQualitative analysis of rich pictures and facilitation techniques.

ProcedureThe research involved collecting, analyzing, and documenting a dataset of rich pictures. It focused on three areas: facilitation methods, construction techniques, and interpretation of the resulting diagrams. The study explored the benefits of pre-drawing sessions, a common symbol key, and an icon understanding framework.

ContextInformation systems design for complex situations.

Variables

IVStructured iconography (presence/absence of common key and framework)

DVClarity and comprehensiveness of interpretation, effectiveness of stakeholder understanding

CVComplexity of the system being designed, facilitation methods used

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Addresses a practical problem in system design: inadequate requirement gathering.
+Provides a tangible method (structured iconography) to improve a design tool (rich pictures).

Limitations

The effectiveness of structured iconography might vary depending on the complexity of the system and the technical literacy of the stakeholders.

Reliability & validity

Reliability could be improved by using multiple interpreters for each rich picture. Validity is supported by the logical connection between structured communication and improved understanding, but direct measurement of 'shared understanding' can be challenging.

Think critically

To what extent does the 'structure' in rich pictures risk oversimplifying complex realities or stifling creative expression?

Design Principles

"Standardized visual language enhances clarity and comprehensiveness in design communication."

In complex design projects, especially those involving information systems, a common understanding among diverse stakeholders is crucial for success. This research demonstrates that by standardizing visual language, designers can bridge communication gaps and ensure that the needs of all users, including those less visible, are captured effectively.

What This Means for Your Design

Using a shared picture dictionary and a guide for drawing helps everyone understand each other better when designing complicated systems.

How to use in your project

1.Use the findings to justify the use of structured visual tools in your design process to gather requirements.
2.Reference the importance of clear iconography for stakeholder engagement in your analysis.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This design project adopted a structured approach to visual communication, drawing on research that highlights the benefits of standardized iconography in tools like rich pictures. By establishing a common key of symbols and providing clear interpretation guidelines, the aim was to enhance stakeholder understanding and ensure comprehensive requirement gathering, thereby mitigating potential misinterpretations common in complex system design.

Source

Edinburgh Napier Research Repository (Edinburgh Napier University)

Understanding Iconography: A method to allow Rich Picture Interpretation to improve

journal · 2013

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about structured iconography enhances stakeholder understanding in complex system design?: When designing complex systems, adopt structured visual tools, such as rich pictures with a defined symbol set, to ensure all stakeholder perspectives are understood and incorporated. Evidence: Edinburgh Napier Research Repository (Edinburgh Napier University) (2013).
Why does "Structured Iconography Enhances Stakeholder Understanding in Complex System Design" matter for design?: In complex design projects, especially those involving information systems, a common understanding among diverse stakeholders is crucial for success. This research demonstrates that by standardizing visual language, designers can bridge communication gaps and ensure that the needs of all users, including those less visible, are captured effectively.
How can designers apply this research?: When designing complex systems, adopt structured visual tools, such as rich pictures with a defined symbol set, to ensure all stakeholder perspectives are understood and incorporated.
What were the main findings?: Rich pictures, traditionally unstructured, can benefit from the addition of structure in certain contexts.. A pre-drawing session, a common key of symbols, and a framework for icon understanding provide considerable benefits to both the creator and interpreter of rich pictures.. A framework supporting the rich picture process and aiding interpretation is valuable for achieving shared understanding.
What research method was used?: Qualitative analysis of rich pictures and facilitation techniques..
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2013 journal from Edinburgh Napier Research Repository (Edinburgh Napier University).
What should I do differently in my next project?: When initiating a design project for a complex system, develop a glossary of symbols to be used in diagrams and provide guidance on their interpretation to all involved parties.
What are the limitations?: The study suggests 'some evidence' of value, indicating that the benefits might be context-dependent and not universally applicable without careful consideration.