INI developed educational outreach strategies, graphic and conceptual identities, and print publications with major US science agencies for some of their key programs to study the Earth (NASA, USGS, NOAA; 1981-1998). Collaborating with the USGS, exciting and groundbreaking prototypes were developed at the beginning of the interactive digital revolution. Over the years the INI team included: Leonard Sirota, Ed Coderre, Patrick Howell, Eric Alston, Richard Carter, Monica Cruz, Janice Whitacre.
Early INI flyers explaining the new digital technologies:
In 1978, Seasat, a remote sensing satellite, revolutionized the study of oceanography and our understanding of the Earth system from space. Seasat’s satellite sensors provided some of the first global views of the oceans. Under the astute guidance of NASA’s Stan Wilson (Chief, Oceanic Processes Branch), INI was hired in 1981, to develop products to reach diverse audiences. The work started with the Oceanography From Space project and over the next decade, it expanded to include educational print campaigns for multiple satellite missions (e.g., TOPEX, UARS, TRMM, GTE, OCI). Logos, slogans, graphic standards and colors were designed by INI staff (Lenny Sirota, Ed Coderre, Patrick Howell) to ensure recognition and successful branding of the study of the earth.
Posters, brochures, mission patches, flyers, presentations and displays were developed for schools, universities, decision-makers, politicians, and the press. These missions and programs became part of NASA’s Earth System Science (to create a unified and integrated approach and agenda of the earth from space) and Mission To Planet Earth (with specific programs and satellites) under the direction of Shelby Tilford at NASA HQ. As state-of-the-art digital graphic and design technologies were developing, INI integrated them into projects and the company was recognized for its cutting-edge work. This led to more award-winning projects with science agencies (USGS, NOAA), universities, and corporate clients.
In 1988, INI and the US Geological Survey began collaborating to develop pioneering digital interactive CD-ROMs. Working with Denise Wiltshire and Douglas Posson, at USGS, projects were developed based on INI’s prototype Vital Signs Sea Ice Hypercard stack using NASA satellite sensor annual data of Arctic and Antarctic Sea imagery. Denise immediately understood the critical importance of the new revolutionary digital technologies and Arctic Data InterActive and GeoMedia CD-ROMs resulted. Both titles were critically acclaimed and helped set the standards for elegant and compelling interactivity in the Digital New Media.
INI worked with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for the design, illustration, and production of different print and multimedia CD-ROM projects from the mid-1980s to mid-1990s. John Eddy, Directory of the Office of Interdisciplinary Earth Studies (OIES/UCAR), was instrumental in bringing many important global change projects to INI. Other key individuals at NOAA were J. Michael Hall and John Kermond. In 1992, INM took over developing digital products/publications (see INM CD-ROM section)working with Stan Wilson at NOAA’s National Ocean Service:
The 1980-90s were very productive for INI as a result of the work with NASA, USGS, and NOAA. Global change/global warming/global climate topics emerged as serious national and international concerns, and other organizations focusing on these issues became INI clients. INI provided design, production, branding (distinct logos, typography, etc.) for their projects. A few client projects are shown here.
