Information design has been around since the 1970s. Pioneers like Yale University design guru Edward Tufte and design agency Pentagram have long known and used its power. But now with the rise of the Internet, it's having something of a second birth.

In this quote, David McCandless discusses the evolution and growing significance of information design. He traces its origins back to the 1970s, when early pioneers like Edward Tufte, a renowned Yale University professor and expert in data visualization, and design agency Pentagram, began exploring the power of effectively organizing and presenting information. McCandless notes that while information design has been a part of the design world for decades, its influence has dramatically increased in the modern era, particularly with the rise of the Internet.

The "second birth" McCandless refers to highlights the increased relevance and application of information design in the digital age. The expansion of the Internet has amplified the need for clearer, more accessible ways to present large amounts of data. With the Internet serving as a massive platform for the exchange of information, the design of that information—through infographics, charts, and other visual tools—has become increasingly essential to ensure it is easily understood and usable by a global audience.

The origin of McCandless's comment stems from his own work as a data journalist and information designer, known for using visualizations to present complex topics in an understandable and engaging way. His approach, similar to the work of Tufte and Pentagram, relies on presenting data in a way that simplifies comprehension and enhances clarity. McCandless, like these pioneers, believes that effective information design can make abstract or complex data more accessible and meaningful.

Ultimately, McCandless’s quote underscores the evolving role of information design in a digital world where vast amounts of data are constantly being exchanged. It serves as a reminder of how design can enhance our understanding of information, making it not just functional but also engaging and insightful. The “second birth” of this discipline suggests that its importance will continue to grow as our need to communicate and interpret information in the digital age becomes more critical.