Article published In:
Information Design JournalVol. 2:2 (1981) ► pp.122–130
On the influence of Isotype
Isotype has been a purely historical phenomenon for about ten years. It proposed a system for presenting information in visual form; but how can designers now learn from this work ? It is argued that Isotype cannot be fully articulated as method, and that it should be understood rather as approach. Such an understanding must come from 'authentic ' historical presentation, which avoids imposing current concepts. Some inappropriate treatments are cited. But, as the revival of the 'transformer7 suggests, Isotype can still be a fruitful influence. To help further study, the documentation of the subject is surveyed.
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Cited by 9 other publications
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Moretti, Matteo
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Muurlink, Olav, Anthony M. Gould & Jean-Etienne Joullié
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Nemeth, Elisabeth
2019. Visualizing Relations in Society and Economics: Otto Neurath’s Isotype-Method Against the Background of his Economic Thought. In Neurath Reconsidered [Boston Studies in the Philosophy and History of Science, 336], ► pp. 117 ff.
Perks, Sue
2015. Transforming the Natural History Museum in London: Isotype and the New Exhibition Scheme. In The International Handbooks of Museum Studies, ► pp. 389 ff.
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