Understanding and Action

The news from Southeast Asia seems to get worse with each passing day. It is a small consolation, but it seems that disasters, whether man-made or natural, bring out the best in our information designers. Perhaps in the face of helplessness there is some solace to be gained in advancing understanding. One of the best examples of design’s power to explain can be found at the New York Times, where journalists, photographers and designers have come together to assemble an astonishing package of graphics and images that provide a full picture of the causes and consequences of the Indian Ocean tsunamis.

If you are provoked to action, please consider in making a donation to Architecture for Humanity, Habitat for Humanity, Unicef, Oxfam, the Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders, or an organization of your choice.