Maria dos Santos Lonsdale | University of Leeds (original) (raw)
Papers by Maria dos Santos Lonsdale
Information Design Journal, Dec 31, 2022
This study evaluated the effectiveness of China’s high-speed railway map’s color system based on ... more This study evaluated the effectiveness of China’s high-speed railway map’s color system based on color design principles in information design. Various design limitations of the color system were identified and analyzed. A new color system which enhanced the legibility of the map was re-coded and was considered satisfactory in the usability test. The research explores the effect of colors in map design and provides valuable color-coding guidance, which may be applied to map design and to the design of other information materials. The color evaluation, re-coding and usability test methods may bring practical insights for information designers and color design researchers.
International Journal of Human-computer Interaction, May 30, 2022
Springer eBooks, 2022
Chapter ["Developing a VR Tool to Support Repeat Pattern Design Learning"] was previously publish... more Chapter ["Developing a VR Tool to Support Repeat Pattern Design Learning"] was previously published non-open access. It has now been changed to open access under a CC BY 4.0 license and the copyright holder updated to 'The Author(s)'. The book has also been updated with this change.
Springer eBooks, 2022
Virtual Reality (VR) applications have been progressively adopted in design industry and educatio... more Virtual Reality (VR) applications have been progressively adopted in design industry and education, and are often associated with increased engagement, creativity, and spatial awareness skills. This study investigates the development and use of a bespoke VR application in textiles and fashion design education, designed to support the teaching and learning of repeat pattern design principles and techniques, transposing the limitations of traditional monitor displays and image editor software. Aiming at identifying potential benefits for students and educators, we have surveyed and observed students who explored the application to visualize their design outputs, applying their pattern designs onto realsize virtual objects and environments. Our findings suggests that VR tools have a positive effect in both learning and design process, allowing students to identify design shortcomings and technical issues, as well as fostering self-evaluation and reflection on their work. Moreover, although findings on spatial awareness are inconclusive, they indicate that the use of the VR application to estimate final dimensions of repeat patterns allows students to identify and correct patterns that have been inaccurately designed.
Information Design Journal
This study evaluated the effectiveness of China’s high-speed railway map’s color system based on ... more This study evaluated the effectiveness of China’s high-speed railway map’s color system based on color design principles in information design. Various design limitations of the color system were identified and analyzed. A new color system which enhanced the legibility of the map was re-coded and was considered satisfactory in the usability test. The research explores the effect of colors in map design and provides valuable color-coding guidance, which may be applied to map design and to the design of other information materials. The color evaluation, re-coding and usability test methods may bring practical insights for information designers and color design researchers.
Information Design Journal
The way information is organized and designed on virtual learning environments (VLEs) is poor (e.... more The way information is organized and designed on virtual learning environments (VLEs) is poor (e.g., unclear, unattractive and overwhelmingly dense). This study evaluates and redesigns a VLE platform to enhance access to information and course material. A three-stage user-centred mixed-methods research approach was used with students taking part as co-creators of education, researchers, designers and end-users. Results show that performance was significantly better with two layouts designed following information design principles and a user-centred research process, than with the existing layout. Participants’ opinion also reflected this same trend. A set of guidelines to improve the design of VLEs is provided.
EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo
British Journal of Surgery, 2022
Information Design Journal
Infographics are commonly used in public health to disseminate key messages to wide audiences. Al... more Infographics are commonly used in public health to disseminate key messages to wide audiences. Although health organisations are making increasing use of infographics, their designs are of variable quality. The research reported here aimed to develop an educational tool that could improve public health infographic design, using motion graphics to teach users with limited design experience how to apply research-based design principles. Results were positive, with significant improvements in performance (including information location time, memorability, and user perception) observed for the infographics designed after the resource was used, compared to the infographics created before.
The way information is organized and designed on virtual learning environments (VLEs) is poor (e.... more The way information is organized and designed on virtual learning environments (VLEs) is poor (e.g., unclear, unattractive and overwhelmingly dense). This study evaluates and redesigns a VLE platform to enhance access to information and course material. A three-stage user-centred mixed-methods research approach was used with students taking part as co-creators of education, researchers, designers and end-users. Results show that performance was significantly better with two layouts designed following information design principles and a user-centred research process, than with the existing layout. Participants’ opinion also reflected this same trend. A set of guidelines to improve the design of VLEs is provided.
Previous research has shown problems with the way information is presented and structured on Blac... more Previous research has shown problems with the way information is presented and structured on Blackboard VLE in terms of accessibility, orientation, consistency and legibility. Such inefficiency leads to frustrated students and a failure to ensure teaching and learning quality. This is worrying, considering that Blackboard is the main tool of communication, management, and assessment used by staff on a daily basis. Moreover, it is a tool with great potential to offer high quality teaching to our generation of students who are always online and are very tech savvy. The aim of this project was to use an information and instructional design approach to enhance accessibility and inclusivity of course material on Blackboard VLE at the University of Leeds. Project Objectives • To identify how staff organise and display course information, and student usage, views, and expectations of using Blackboard VLE. • To develop new design solutions using information and instructional design principles, as well as usercentred research methods. • To involve students as co-creators of education: as designers and researchers, as well as participants in any testing conducted. • To disseminate the findings and good practice through a Blackboard VLE Design Guidelines booklet, motion graphics video and workshops delivered to staff at UoL. Methodology An audit of 55 modules taught in Semester 1 (UG and PGT) in the School of Design was conducted to identify: a) how staff organise and display course information; b) good and bad practice. An online questionnaire was conducted with 31 lecturers from the School of Design to understand: a) staff usage of Blackboard VLE; b) interventions that might help them to use it more efficiently. Interviews were conducted with 31 students (UG and PGT) from the School of Design to understand student: a) usage; b) views; c) and expectations of using Blackboard VLE. Co-design sessions were conducted with students (all UG years and PGT) to develop initial design concepts capable of maximising Blackboard VLE usage and support to T&L. Usability tests were conducted to develop, test and iterate design solutions. Performance testing and eye-tracking measurement were conducted to ascertain which design(s) are more effective at allowing students to find information faster and more accurately. Key findings 4.1. Audit of existing modules The majority of modules: • Provided no or very little information on staff teaching in the module. • Used fonts, font size and colours inconsistently in the announcements. • Had important information missing or located under the wrong tab. • Had a high number of learning materials randomly arranged rather than arranged by folders, themes, or chronologically. • Had no description of what folders and files contain. • Had some sections that were left empty.
International Journal of Design Creativity and Innovation
University of Cincinnati, Apr 30, 2020
This is a repository copy of Enhancing bowel cancer surgery recovery through information design.
Visible Language, 2018
With the rise of fashion consumption and a clear lack of promotional input by retailers on the is... more With the rise of fashion consumption and a clear lack of promotional input by retailers on the issues of sustainable fashion, this research shows that there is little awareness particularly among young adults on the issues of fashion sustainability. Therefore, a clear need to inform consumers on how to utilize, care for and dispose of fashion items is necessary to make the important changes to the planet’s fashion waste issues. To this end, this research explores ways of how fashion brands can communicate a more sustainable way of consuming fashion to young consumers in the UK. Focus groups were conducted with the objective of identifying the main issues relating to fashion consumption including the lack of awareness and disposal of garments. These were followed by a collaborative workshop involving young consumers, where a fashion brand was created to educate consumers through information and garment label design solutions using innovative communication strategies. To ascertain the...
Visible Language, 2016
An experimental study provided evidence that text layout affects performance when reading text to... more An experimental study provided evidence that text layout affects performance when reading text to search for specific information under time pressure in an examination-type situation. The present paper reports a second experimental study conducted to ascertain whether this effect extends to similar academic reading materials and situations that, contrary to examinations, are performed under no time pressure. Three layouts were used for comparison, which replicated real-life examination materials and represented three distinct levels of legibility. The results revealed that text layout affects performance under conditions of search reading even when time pressure is absent. Moreover, participants performed better with the layout conforming to legibility guidelines and considered this layout to be the easiest to use and the most attractive. In order to understand these findings, an attempt is made to specify a theoretical model of reading in academic-type situations. The model identif...
Information Design Journal, 2021
Infographics are becoming a common tool in the communication of public-health information. Howeve... more Infographics are becoming a common tool in the communication of public-health information. However, research-based resources in how to create effective infographics are rare. The application of design principles in the creation of infographics has been shown to more effectively communicate information. Here, the research explores the adherence of 84 research-based infographic design principles on 3 designs of varying levels of application. A multi-method approach, including eye-tracking, was used to record information location efficiency, memorability and user perception. Support was found in favour of utilising design principles in the creation of public health infographics; resulting in improved user opinion and information location.
Information design principles are overlooked in cyber security awareness websites. An Information... more Information design principles are overlooked in cyber security awareness websites. An Information Design Process Model was devised to help frame and interpret how online information is processed and the role information design principles have in facilitating that processing. Two websites were then compared, and results show significant differences in terms of performance, behavior and perception. The results also show that in situations where serious information is at stake (such as cyber security), a more accessible design does not seem to be sufficient to project a sense of trust and security among users. All these findings led to original insights regarding the design of online information in terms of lasting impression and user-centered design approaches.
Information Design Journal, Dec 31, 2022
This study evaluated the effectiveness of China’s high-speed railway map’s color system based on ... more This study evaluated the effectiveness of China’s high-speed railway map’s color system based on color design principles in information design. Various design limitations of the color system were identified and analyzed. A new color system which enhanced the legibility of the map was re-coded and was considered satisfactory in the usability test. The research explores the effect of colors in map design and provides valuable color-coding guidance, which may be applied to map design and to the design of other information materials. The color evaluation, re-coding and usability test methods may bring practical insights for information designers and color design researchers.
International Journal of Human-computer Interaction, May 30, 2022
Springer eBooks, 2022
Chapter ["Developing a VR Tool to Support Repeat Pattern Design Learning"] was previously publish... more Chapter ["Developing a VR Tool to Support Repeat Pattern Design Learning"] was previously published non-open access. It has now been changed to open access under a CC BY 4.0 license and the copyright holder updated to 'The Author(s)'. The book has also been updated with this change.
Springer eBooks, 2022
Virtual Reality (VR) applications have been progressively adopted in design industry and educatio... more Virtual Reality (VR) applications have been progressively adopted in design industry and education, and are often associated with increased engagement, creativity, and spatial awareness skills. This study investigates the development and use of a bespoke VR application in textiles and fashion design education, designed to support the teaching and learning of repeat pattern design principles and techniques, transposing the limitations of traditional monitor displays and image editor software. Aiming at identifying potential benefits for students and educators, we have surveyed and observed students who explored the application to visualize their design outputs, applying their pattern designs onto realsize virtual objects and environments. Our findings suggests that VR tools have a positive effect in both learning and design process, allowing students to identify design shortcomings and technical issues, as well as fostering self-evaluation and reflection on their work. Moreover, although findings on spatial awareness are inconclusive, they indicate that the use of the VR application to estimate final dimensions of repeat patterns allows students to identify and correct patterns that have been inaccurately designed.
Information Design Journal
This study evaluated the effectiveness of China’s high-speed railway map’s color system based on ... more This study evaluated the effectiveness of China’s high-speed railway map’s color system based on color design principles in information design. Various design limitations of the color system were identified and analyzed. A new color system which enhanced the legibility of the map was re-coded and was considered satisfactory in the usability test. The research explores the effect of colors in map design and provides valuable color-coding guidance, which may be applied to map design and to the design of other information materials. The color evaluation, re-coding and usability test methods may bring practical insights for information designers and color design researchers.
Information Design Journal
The way information is organized and designed on virtual learning environments (VLEs) is poor (e.... more The way information is organized and designed on virtual learning environments (VLEs) is poor (e.g., unclear, unattractive and overwhelmingly dense). This study evaluates and redesigns a VLE platform to enhance access to information and course material. A three-stage user-centred mixed-methods research approach was used with students taking part as co-creators of education, researchers, designers and end-users. Results show that performance was significantly better with two layouts designed following information design principles and a user-centred research process, than with the existing layout. Participants’ opinion also reflected this same trend. A set of guidelines to improve the design of VLEs is provided.
EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo
British Journal of Surgery, 2022
Information Design Journal
Infographics are commonly used in public health to disseminate key messages to wide audiences. Al... more Infographics are commonly used in public health to disseminate key messages to wide audiences. Although health organisations are making increasing use of infographics, their designs are of variable quality. The research reported here aimed to develop an educational tool that could improve public health infographic design, using motion graphics to teach users with limited design experience how to apply research-based design principles. Results were positive, with significant improvements in performance (including information location time, memorability, and user perception) observed for the infographics designed after the resource was used, compared to the infographics created before.
The way information is organized and designed on virtual learning environments (VLEs) is poor (e.... more The way information is organized and designed on virtual learning environments (VLEs) is poor (e.g., unclear, unattractive and overwhelmingly dense). This study evaluates and redesigns a VLE platform to enhance access to information and course material. A three-stage user-centred mixed-methods research approach was used with students taking part as co-creators of education, researchers, designers and end-users. Results show that performance was significantly better with two layouts designed following information design principles and a user-centred research process, than with the existing layout. Participants’ opinion also reflected this same trend. A set of guidelines to improve the design of VLEs is provided.
Previous research has shown problems with the way information is presented and structured on Blac... more Previous research has shown problems with the way information is presented and structured on Blackboard VLE in terms of accessibility, orientation, consistency and legibility. Such inefficiency leads to frustrated students and a failure to ensure teaching and learning quality. This is worrying, considering that Blackboard is the main tool of communication, management, and assessment used by staff on a daily basis. Moreover, it is a tool with great potential to offer high quality teaching to our generation of students who are always online and are very tech savvy. The aim of this project was to use an information and instructional design approach to enhance accessibility and inclusivity of course material on Blackboard VLE at the University of Leeds. Project Objectives • To identify how staff organise and display course information, and student usage, views, and expectations of using Blackboard VLE. • To develop new design solutions using information and instructional design principles, as well as usercentred research methods. • To involve students as co-creators of education: as designers and researchers, as well as participants in any testing conducted. • To disseminate the findings and good practice through a Blackboard VLE Design Guidelines booklet, motion graphics video and workshops delivered to staff at UoL. Methodology An audit of 55 modules taught in Semester 1 (UG and PGT) in the School of Design was conducted to identify: a) how staff organise and display course information; b) good and bad practice. An online questionnaire was conducted with 31 lecturers from the School of Design to understand: a) staff usage of Blackboard VLE; b) interventions that might help them to use it more efficiently. Interviews were conducted with 31 students (UG and PGT) from the School of Design to understand student: a) usage; b) views; c) and expectations of using Blackboard VLE. Co-design sessions were conducted with students (all UG years and PGT) to develop initial design concepts capable of maximising Blackboard VLE usage and support to T&L. Usability tests were conducted to develop, test and iterate design solutions. Performance testing and eye-tracking measurement were conducted to ascertain which design(s) are more effective at allowing students to find information faster and more accurately. Key findings 4.1. Audit of existing modules The majority of modules: • Provided no or very little information on staff teaching in the module. • Used fonts, font size and colours inconsistently in the announcements. • Had important information missing or located under the wrong tab. • Had a high number of learning materials randomly arranged rather than arranged by folders, themes, or chronologically. • Had no description of what folders and files contain. • Had some sections that were left empty.
International Journal of Design Creativity and Innovation
University of Cincinnati, Apr 30, 2020
This is a repository copy of Enhancing bowel cancer surgery recovery through information design.
Visible Language, 2018
With the rise of fashion consumption and a clear lack of promotional input by retailers on the is... more With the rise of fashion consumption and a clear lack of promotional input by retailers on the issues of sustainable fashion, this research shows that there is little awareness particularly among young adults on the issues of fashion sustainability. Therefore, a clear need to inform consumers on how to utilize, care for and dispose of fashion items is necessary to make the important changes to the planet’s fashion waste issues. To this end, this research explores ways of how fashion brands can communicate a more sustainable way of consuming fashion to young consumers in the UK. Focus groups were conducted with the objective of identifying the main issues relating to fashion consumption including the lack of awareness and disposal of garments. These were followed by a collaborative workshop involving young consumers, where a fashion brand was created to educate consumers through information and garment label design solutions using innovative communication strategies. To ascertain the...
Visible Language, 2016
An experimental study provided evidence that text layout affects performance when reading text to... more An experimental study provided evidence that text layout affects performance when reading text to search for specific information under time pressure in an examination-type situation. The present paper reports a second experimental study conducted to ascertain whether this effect extends to similar academic reading materials and situations that, contrary to examinations, are performed under no time pressure. Three layouts were used for comparison, which replicated real-life examination materials and represented three distinct levels of legibility. The results revealed that text layout affects performance under conditions of search reading even when time pressure is absent. Moreover, participants performed better with the layout conforming to legibility guidelines and considered this layout to be the easiest to use and the most attractive. In order to understand these findings, an attempt is made to specify a theoretical model of reading in academic-type situations. The model identif...
Information Design Journal, 2021
Infographics are becoming a common tool in the communication of public-health information. Howeve... more Infographics are becoming a common tool in the communication of public-health information. However, research-based resources in how to create effective infographics are rare. The application of design principles in the creation of infographics has been shown to more effectively communicate information. Here, the research explores the adherence of 84 research-based infographic design principles on 3 designs of varying levels of application. A multi-method approach, including eye-tracking, was used to record information location efficiency, memorability and user perception. Support was found in favour of utilising design principles in the creation of public health infographics; resulting in improved user opinion and information location.
Information design principles are overlooked in cyber security awareness websites. An Information... more Information design principles are overlooked in cyber security awareness websites. An Information Design Process Model was devised to help frame and interpret how online information is processed and the role information design principles have in facilitating that processing. Two websites were then compared, and results show significant differences in terms of performance, behavior and perception. The results also show that in situations where serious information is at stake (such as cyber security), a more accessible design does not seem to be sufficient to project a sense of trust and security among users. All these findings led to original insights regarding the design of online information in terms of lasting impression and user-centered design approaches.
Conference: DRS2020 International Conference: SynergyAt: Brisbane, Australia, 2020
Sage Publishing, 2022
In a world of information overload, this book will help you to cut through the noise and communic... more In a world of information overload, this book will help you to cut through the noise and communicate information with clear, efficient, and engaging visualisations.
Taking you on a journey through a full range of different types of visualisations including infographics and motion graphics, the book:
• Explains the underlying principles behind information visualisation, including the science of visual perception and cognition
• Provides easy-to-digest guidelines that bring research and best practice together
• Showcases a range of real-world applied examples, and outlines the do’s and don’ts of different approaches
• Shows how to use research methods to design with and for your target audience.
From an expert with years of experience researching, teaching, and doing information visualisation, learn how to make better and informed decisions around visualisation design that are appropriate for both your data and audience.