Dr Matthew Baxter
- Position: Research Fellow in Design
- Areas of expertise: Information design; Communication design; Graphic design; User-centred design; health information design
- Email: M.G.Baxter@leeds.ac.uk
- Website: Researchgate
Profile
After recieving my MA in Graphic and Communication Design from the University of Leeds in 2018, I pursued a PhD in the field of information design. I completed this at the University of Leeds in 2022, with my research focusing on infographic design in the context of public health information, exploring methods and practical solutions to improve these design outputs. Also, having undertaken part-time work as a freelance graphic designer during this time period.
I now work with Professor Maria Lonsdale as a research fellow. My role encompases a combination of research, teaching, and graphic design. I work on various research projects with both academic and industry partners, with a current focus on graphic and information design in healthcare.
Research interests
Information design
I am interested in the communication of information, and how graphic design theory can improve user experience and performance through effective implementation.
Health information
Much of my research has taken place in the context of health-related information, including public disease awareness, surgery preparation, and instructional materials for medication. My research prioritised the use of design to improve public health and patient outcomes; whether this be through better adherence to instructional material, easing understanding of health information, or increasing public engagment with important health messages.
User-centred design
I have an interest in user-centred methods, particularly an iterative user-focused design process that takes influence from research both before and during the creative process. Consequently, aiming to create bespoke design outputs that have been optimised for the target user. This frequently invloves a combination of both qualitative and quantitaive methods including: eye-tracking, a/b testing (comparative experimental testing), interviews, co-design, heuristic evaluation, and questionnaires.
Recent research projects
2022-23 | Improving recovery after bowel cancer surgery: Mixed-method feasibility study of a co-produced education intervention – RecoverTogether | Co-I | Funded by NHIR | Research for Patient Benefit
2022-23 | A study to co-design an information/exercise leaflet for people living with PMR | Co-I | Funded by The Trustees of PMRGCAuk
<h4>Research projects</h4> <p>Any research projects I'm currently working on will be listed below. Our list of all <a href="https://ahc.leeds.ac.uk/dir/research-projects">research projects</a> allows you to view and search the full list of projects in the faculty.</p>Qualifications
- PhD | Information design and communication | University of Leeds, UK
- MA | Graphic and communication design | University of Leeds, UK
- BSc | Zoology | University of Sheffield, UK
Student education
I am currently supervising on the MA Design course at the Univerity of Leeds, specialising in areas related to information design and user-centred design methods. Additionally, I am assisting in teaching an undergraduate Information Design optional module for third year Graphic Design, and Art and Design students.