What I do

As there is a lot more to see, read and comprehend now than ever before, the information design discipline plays an increasingly important role in the communication of complex information as it gains precision and scientific value.

The establishment of information design departments in non-design companies and the integration of information designers in any work team are an important step towards improving the communication of complex information. Multidisciplinary projects involving the knowledge of information designers are being conducted in the areas of transportation services, chemistry and biology, and politics, for example.

What I do
With over 9 years of experience, I am specialised in information design, research strategy and consultancy. I work with a strong emphasis in strategy, problem-solving, and understanding, with rational and scientific approach to design. I do not only give form to content creating aesthetic designs or developing services to solve communication problems. I work on the other side of the design process—the ‘non-visual’ side. However, as a designer, I give the final outcomes the appropriate style and refinement.

My work is different from the conventional information design. Instead of only translating quantities and information into design outcomes, I analyse and discuss ‘raw’ content with clients in order to obtain clear understanding and be able to synthesise the information into complex but concise diagrams. In later stages, these diagrams can develop into different design outcomes, such as communication pieces (diagrams, infographics, diagrammatic maps), design strategies and information displays (wayfinding).

I am also involved in teaching and lecturing graphic design in London.

My objective

To help companies, organisations and individual clients to interpret, understand and visually communicate highly amounts of data for different purposes: internal and external communications, clients’ presentations, campaign evaluations, etc.
To help scientific and educational institutions to communicate and explain complex information and concepts to inexpert and less experience audiences.

How I work
I work with a toolbox of methods, applying them with rational and rigorous approach. My toolbox is composed for design methods, visual methods, scientific methods and social methods, including primary and secondary research.

I apply a systematic and problem-solving strategy that explores the general and specific context of clients’ initial problem, until we (clients and I) achieve the same understanding of the situation. Then I communicate that understanding through handmade diagrams. Finally, these raw diagrams might evolve into specific communication pieces according to clients’ needs.

Who I work with
I work with clients with a rational point of view who value the non-visible side of design, support analytical design strategies, and would like to engage in strategic long-term relationships. Most of them related to social, education and scientific disciplines.

What I can do for you and your company/organisation

Workshops and Sessions to help you develop the skills to effectively communicate complex information
(Primary and Secondary) Research and consultancy
Project lead
Art direction
Improve the understanding and visualisation of data analysis
Translate high volume of data into understandable visual outcomes
Apply design methods to analyse, organise and understand complex information
Include information design skills in data analysis and communication of insights and findings
Include design strategy and design research in data analysis and communication of insights and findings

For more information about my work and services please contact me at sheilapontis@gmail.com

RESEARCH PROJECTS AND WORK SAMPLES

I have solid experience as a researcher, project leader and information and editorial/book designer. I have been freelancing and working as a senior designer for over 9 years in Argentina, Spain, the UK and the Middle East. I am currently working as a freelance information designer and map design consultant for national and international design companies, research agencies, technical editorials, and scientific and educational institutions.
Some of my clients are:

Research Projects

- Uscreates. Designing Social Changes

- 2CV. Qualitative and Quantitative Research Agency
Project field: Redesign of a Transport Network Diagrammatic Map

- University of Barcelona.
Case Study: The Redesign of ‘La Vanguardia’ Newspaper. University of Barcelona – Grupo Godo (Barcelona, Spain)
Case Studies: MRes Editorial Techniques (2004)

Work Samples
- Baalbaki Group S.A.