The International Institute for Information Design (IIID) has long been dedicated to exploring how information design, visual communication, and design thinking can address the increasingly complex communication challenges of contemporary society while enhancing quality of life through outstanding design. Organized by the IIID, the IIID Award is one of the world's most prestigious awards in the field of information design. During this year's jury meeting, Professor Ting-Yi Lin from the Department of Design at Taiwan Tech was appointed President of the Jury Board for the IIID Award 2026. In this role, she leads an international jury composed of scholars and design professionals from diverse disciplines around the world. Her appointment not only recognizes her professional achievements but also highlights Taiwan's growing influence and expertise in design research and education on the international stage.

Professor Ting-Yi Lin (front row, second from left) of Taiwan Tech's Department of Design has been appointed President of the Jury Board for the IIID Award 2026, leading an international jury composed of scholars and design experts from diverse professional backgrounds around the world.

Professor Lin noted that the essence of information design extends far beyond visual presentation. More importantly, it lies in establishing effective mechanisms for understanding that enable people to construct knowledge and make informed judgments in increasingly complex information environments. She remarked that participating in the decision-making and implementation of this international judging process not only promotes global exchange among design professionals but also provides an opportunity to bring international perspectives and the latest developments back into teaching and research, thereby contributing to the long-term advancement of Taiwan's design education and academic research.

The IIID Award jury brings together scholars, design practitioners, and researchers from different countries and professional backgrounds to evaluate representative innovations in the field of information design. This year's submissions covered a wide range of topics, with many addressing pressing social issues and the challenges of communicating complex information. The entries demonstrated the practical value of information design in knowledge dissemination, public understanding, and effective communication.

Throughout the judging process, the international jury engaged in interdisciplinary discussions and professional deliberations to conduct comprehensive evaluations of each project. The assessment considered technical execution, clarity of communication, relevance to contemporary issues, and tangible social impact. This rigorous yet forward-looking evaluation process ensures that the award recipients meet international professional standards while reflecting the rapidly evolving landscape of information design.

The IIID Award Jury conducts comprehensive evaluations based on technical excellence, clarity of communication, relevance to contemporary issues, and social impact.

Professor Lin possesses extensive academic expertise and practical experience in information design, visual communication, design research, and interdisciplinary design applications. Through systematic design methodologies, she has devoted her career to improving the quality of information design and communication. She has also remained actively engaged in international academic exchange and professional collaboration for many years. In recent years, her research and practical work have connected design education, digital technologies, and social applications, demonstrating her commitment to extending design thinking across diverse industries and disciplines while fostering innovative possibilities.

The Vienna Museum of Society and Economy embodies the philosophy of “Pictures Unite!” through the principles of ISOTYPE (International System of Typographic Picture Education), transforming complex social and economic data into visual representations that are accessible and understandable to everyone. The upper image, “Population Growth in Vienna (1869–1923)”, illustrates more than half a century of population growth using rows of simplified pictorial symbols. The lower image, “Police Operations in Vienna, February 1925”, categorizes police enforcement activities by day of the week and distinguishes cases involving alcohol from those unrelated to alcohol through the use of visual symbols.

Professor Lin's appointment as President of the Jury Board not only represents international recognition of her long-standing contributions to information design research but also reflects Taiwan Tech's sustained achievements in design education, interdisciplinary research, and international academic engagement. By assuming a leadership role in one of the world's foremost design awards, Taiwan Tech continues to strengthen its global visibility and deepen its professional connections within the international design community.

The IIID Award Jury brings together scholars, design practitioners, and researchers from around the world to evaluate outstanding innovations in information design.

Looking ahead, Taiwan Tech's Department of Design will continue to promote design innovation both on campus and in collaboration with industry, strengthen international partnerships, and cultivate interdisciplinary talent. The department remains committed to expanding the global reach of its academic research while increasing its meaningful contributions to society. It will also continue creating opportunities for faculty members and students to engage in international academic and professional exchanges, further reinforcing and expanding the important role of Taiwan's design education within the global design community.

Professor Ting-Yi Lin (fifth from left) has extensive academic expertise and practical experience in information design, visual communication, design research, and interdisciplinary design applications, and has long been an active participant in international academic exchange and professional collaboration.