Visualizing Complexity
Handbuch modulares Informationsdesign

Modular Information Design (MID)

 

Concept: A systemic framework for information design
First published: May 2022 in Visualizing Complexity
Languages: 224 pages, available in German or English
Impact: Over 4,000 copies sold and 1,300+ students worldwide
Awards: 9 international distinctions

The Idea

Traditional visualizations are often mathematically precise but visually uninspiring – people overlook them. At the other extreme, some designs are visually striking but difficult to read, evoking a sense of unexplained magic rather than clarity. The challenge is to create a comprehensive, methodologically grounded framework that bridges this gap – making information design both understandable and engaging, teachable and systematic.

The Principle

MID systematically breaks down visualizations into 80 basic elements that are structured in four interconnected dimensions. These elements can be encoded in almost unlimited combinations. Just as the periodic table organizes chemical elements and makes new compounds predictable, MID structures visual building blocks to support systematic creativity. The system takes an analog approach - starting with pen and paper - to deliberately slow down the process. This promotes a deeper understanding and leads to better results before moving on to digital tools.

 

The Book

Visualizing Complexity, the Modular Information Design Handbook introduces MID: a flexible, structured system for anyone working to communicate information through design. The approach combines data and Swiss graphic design into a coherent visual language, supported by real-world case studies. The book guides readers from raw content to data-driven visualizations through a clear storyline that outlines every step of the process.

Awards

Bronze
Art Directors Club Award
Finalist
Swiss Design Awards
Gold
Indigo Design Award
Finalist
European Design Award
Gold
Joseph Binder Award
Bronze
ICMA Award
Silver
dpa-infografik Award
Finalist
Die schönsten Deutschen Bücher
Shortlist
Information is Beautiful Award

How does the analogue-first approach work in a digital world?

+

Intentional slowing down leads to better outcomes. Sketching by hand forces reflection on each element – before digital tools tempt with fast but superficial solutions. This approach has been validated in over 150 projects.

Who is MID for – do I need design experience?

+

MID is designed for anyone working at the intersection of data, design, and communication. The system is modular and teachable – from engineers to journalists, students to decision-makers. 1,300+ students worldwide confirm its accessibility.

How is MID different from template-based solutions?

+

Templates are rigid and limited. MID offers 80 fundamental elements across four dimensions, enabling almost infinite, tailored solutions. Every visualization is built specifically for its data and context.

Does MID only work with certain types of data?

+

No, MID is intentionally universal. It works with both quantitative and qualitative data – from UN sustainability goals and healthcare statistics to cultural content. The four dimensions cover the full range of information design challenges.

Does Superdot.studio use MID in its own work?

+

Yes, MID has been the foundation of our practice for over 10 years. All our projects – from UN reports to visualizations of the Swiss egg market – are based on MID principles. You’ll find practical applications throughout our portfolio.

Can the system be applied across industries and topics?

+

Absolutely. MID is designed for cross-sector use – from healthcare and finance to cultural institutions. It supports both business data and qualitative research, regardless of the domain.

Why is the book important?

+

The book is the complete reference guide: all 80 elements, explained systematically, with 26 real-world examples. It makes MID independently learnable and serves as a long-term resource. Unlike fragmented online content, it presents the full methodology in one place – from first concept to final execution.

What is the role of MID in an AI-driven future?

+

While AI can generate diagrams automatically, MID offers conscious, strategic information design. AI lacks context and audience insight – MID teaches why visual choices matter. In an AI-dominated future, human-led, contextual visualization will be more important than ever.

Are online courses available?

+

Yes, we offer structured online courses for different levels – from a 2-hour theoretical introduction to a comprehensive hands-on training in modular information design.

Macht ihr Inhouse-Workshops zum Thema?

+

Yes, we design custom workshops for teams and organizations – ranging from 2-hour inspiration sessions to multi-day deep dives, tailored to your specific data and challenges.