Common Threads: Methods, Themes, and Contributors that Developed Historic Information Design from the 18th and 19th Centuries

Presently, Information Design is on an upward trajectory, as it is being implemented on various platforms, from professional presentations to social media posts. The need for strong, understandable visual content has driven individuals with varying backgrounds to adopt the methods from the field. However, whether novice or trained professional designers, a vast number appear to pillage the random works they come across and apply the visuals without considering the historic lessons that arewithin each visualization. When designers discuss the history of Information Design, many cannot agree on much. Of the books that are in circulation, a majority highlight specific people, places, designs, and/or time periods. A few identify common themes but fall short ofemphasizing threads that connect people and methods. In actuality, the history of Information Design is severely limited. Designers fail to notice the benefits of understanding the complexity of problems encountered by practitioners in the 18th and 19th centuries. Many in the field deny themselves the opportunity to recognize the inventiveness, successes, and failures of the predecessors. Lost are the lessons, skills, and insight taught by the progenitors. This research aims to highlight connections from the past to rediscover their value in the present, while also calling attention to contributors who were previously overlooked or undervalued. Through the exploration of methods and themes, as well asa look at responses collected from modern designers, a reconstruction of historic developments will allow the discipline to untangle its complex past in order to set goals for the future.