SIMS

Information Design Profile

Information Design specialists help operations organize and analyze information in order to develop scenario plans and support strategic-level decision-making.

Qualified Members: 11

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Tier 4

Tier 3

Tier 2

Tier 1

Learning Resources

Information Design Guides

Competencies by Tier

Data Dissemination

Competency	Description
Communicating key messages through an information product	Lists effective formats and mediums for presenting information (for example, dashboard, web site, printed poster, slide deck, etc.).
Applying design best practices to information product	Finds location of information product templates, IFRC branding and style guidelines, and design standards where they are stored.
Incorporating data visualization into information product	Identifies data visualization best practices and applies them to simple charts and graphs.
Utilizing features of GIS software	Recognizes how to navigate the interfaces of GIS software.
Contextualizes geospatial information products for different operational needs	Differentiates between different kinds of maps that can be created using GIS software. Recognizes the types of visualizations that can be produced from a raster dataset.

Data for Decision-Making

Competency	Description
Identifying patterns and trends in data and using them to inform response analysis	Recognizes ways to identify patterns in data.
Critically assessing and optimizing an information product for operational relevance	Describes operational situations in which different information products would be useful. Describes the revision process of an information product.

Project Planning and Management

Competency	Description
Designs or manages an information management project or operational IM activity	Describes the steps of the Information Management cycle.

Data Dissemination

Competency	Description
Communicating key messages through an information product	Identifies effective data visualizations for a given information need and uses best practices when implementing them (for example, pie chart, bar graph, map, table, etc.).
Applying design best practices to information product	Utilizes and adheres to information product templates, style guidelines, visual identity, and design standards.
Incorporating data visualization into information product	Produces basic visual information products such as key figures using the features of standard office software or entry-level tools, incorporating data visualization best practices.
Utilizing features of GIS software	Demonstrates basic mapping functions using open-source or proprietary GIS software. Converts x,y coordinates from tabular format into GIS software. Describes spatial design concepts (for example, alignment, proximity, balance).
Contextualizes geospatial information products for different operational needs	Uses the map composer function of a GIS software to create different types of maps. Visualizes a raster dataset (for example, hillshade, graduated color ramp).

Data for Decision-Making

Competency	Description
Identifying patterns and trends in data and using them to inform response analysis	Applies appropriate strategies to identify patterns in data. Detects data gaps (what is needed to be able to conduct the analysis and make the products).
Critically assessing and optimizing an information product for operational relevance	Evaluates the operational relevance of an information product. Incorporates constructive feedback into current and future information products.

Project Planning and Management

Competency	Description
Designs or manages an information management project or operational IM activity	Actively participates in an information management planning meeting.

Data Dissemination

Competency	Description
Communicating key messages through an information product	Selects appropriate formats and medium for presenting information. Develops dissemination strategy. Translates complex concepts and technical jargon into language that can be understood by a given audience (including non-technical audience).
Applying design best practices to information product	Can modify designs based on compatibility, usability and accessibility across channels and devices (for example, the differences in design for a poster versus an image for social media). Tailors language, tone, style, and format to match audiences.
Incorporating data visualization into information product	Uses advanced graphic software. Effectively uses visual hierarchy to depict relationships between data. Integrates multiple layers or groups of data into a single coherent information product.
Utilizing features of GIS software	Utilizes advanced tools and functionalities in QGIS. Uses vector design programs for cartographic refinement.
Contextualizes geospatial information products for different operational needs	Describes and makes adjustments based on political sensitivities when displaying geographic data (e.g. contested boundaries). Manages development of established map products typically used in RCRC response; identifies when they are appropriate, and the required time/data/resources (e.g. basemap, damage extent map, 3W map, specialized maps such as flood extent map). Disseminates mapping products through various media.

Data for Decision-Making

Competency	Description
Identifying patterns and trends in data and using them to inform response analysis	Recognizes patterns, trends, outliers and anomalies in datasets.
Critically assessing and optimizing an information product for operational relevance	Interprets audience information requirements and identifies appropriate visualizations (for example, the varying needs of operational decision-makers, advocates, fundraisers, communications, or affected population). Independently applies feedback mechanisms and methods to iteratively improve information products.

Project Planning and Management

Competency	Description
Designs or manages an information management project or operational IM activity	Clearly communicates time and resource requirements for information management activities, and assesses information needs in terms of content and timeliness, in order to effectively discuss and manage expectations.

Data Dissemination

Competency	Description
Communicating key messages through an information product	Adjusts design of information products to effectively shape key messaging and maximize impact. Actively adapts as needed strategic information management documents to better align with the circumstances of a complex emergency.
Applying design best practices to information product	Develops design templates and sets style standards for products. Adapts and updates templates and style guidelines as needed.
Incorporating data visualization into information product	Builds reusable dashboard visualizations in a spreadsheet software. Automates the update of information products (for example, via scripting from a data source to the information product design file for more user-friendly updates.
Utilizing features of GIS software	Develops and leads trainings on GIS software for specific audiences such as National Society staff and volunteers, government officials, civil servants, community leaders, etc. Communicates complex geospatial concepts to non-specialists.
Contextualizes geospatial information products for different operational needs	Applies different methods to represent spatial data and their appropriate uses (e.g. choropleth, heat map, graduated symbols, proportional symbols, dot density). Evaluates information needs and decides if a map is appropriate and if so, what format/type of map (static, web, choropleth, heat map, etc) in order to convey a message or tell a story to the expected audience. Validates and corrects topology.

Data for Decision-Making

Competency	Description
Identifying patterns and trends in data and using them to inform response analysis	Supports response option analysis (for example, suggesting programmes to respond to identified needs). Identifies response gaps and provides recommendations for further action.
Critically assessing and optimizing an information product for operational relevance	Provides constructive and actionable feedback on information products. Leads a human-centered design process with stakeholders.

Project Planning and Management

Competency	Description
Designs or manages an information management project or operational IM activity	Facilitates an information management planning meeting. Develops an information management program, including budget and staffing needs, in coordination with relevant stakeholders (for example, for an emergency plan of action (EPoA) or recovery plan). Facilitates elicitation and requirements gathering as relevant for development of an information system.