Presently, Information Design is on an upward trajectory, as it is being implemented on various platforms, from professional presentations to social media posts. The need for strong, understandable visual content has driven individuals with varying backgrounds to adopt the methods from the field. However, whether novice or trained professional designers, a vast number appear to pillage the random works they come across and apply the visuals without considering the historic lessons that arewithin each visualization. When designers discuss the history of Information Design, many cannot agree on much. Of the books that are in circulation, a majority highlight specific people, places, designs, and/or time periods. A few identify common themes but fall short ofemphasizing threads that connect people and methods. In actuality, the history of Information Design is severely limited. Designers fail to notice the benefits of understanding the complexity of problems encountered by practitioners in the 18th and 19th centuries. Many in the field deny themselves the opportunity to recognize the inventiveness, successes, and failures of the predecessors. Lost are the lessons, skills, and insight taught by the progenitors. This research aims to highlight connections from the past to rediscover their value in the present, while also calling attention to contributors who were previously overlooked or undervalued. Through the exploration of methods and themes, as well asa look at responses collected from modern designers, a reconstruction of historic developments will allow the discipline to untangle its complex past in order to set goals for the future.

It is well understood that many people who experience hearing loss do not realize the extent of their loss and often do not seek help. This resistance to intervention puts them at risk of social isolation, depression and even serious neurological issues such as dementia.

This research explores first, the attitudes that people have toward hearing loss and how these attitudes affect the adoption of products and services that could help them. This may not seem like a design question, but it is paramount to designers who seek to improve the quality of life for this population. It is no longer enough to create beautiful, functional products. In order to make a difference in people’s lives, designers need to understand the underlying motivations that drive behavior. This informs the second question this study seeks to answer, what changes can be made to current products and services on the market in order to increase adoption.

Through a series of qualitative interviews with seniors experiencing hearing loss, this study finds that the main factors in their attitudes towards hearing loss are their feelings towards aging in general, their susceptibility to stigma, and their perceptions of the cost and functionality of the hearing devices available. However, the most important factor found in this study is a lack of awareness. Awareness of their own level of hearing loss. Awareness of the risks associated with putting off intervention. And awareness of the products and services available to help. Thus, design solutions that focus on visibility of services and patient education will have the most meaningful impact on quality of life for those who suffer from hearing loss.