Information is a product. As a product, it possesses an inherent quality. Low-quality information causes stress and confusion. High or good-quality information supports smooth communication and clear understanding. High-quality information exerts little stress on its audience. A graphic designer is charged with one role: to extract the essence from matters and phenomena, and, by arrangement, to return it to society as "tangible information" that truly fortifies us. The Congress theme is "Quality Information". The sub-themes Clarity, Creativity, and Humor/Joy, will function as magnetic channels, gathering issues from the broadest possible perspectives, and stimulating us all into full participation. Let your curiosity decide which route you'll be taking to Quality Information. The goal of information design is to invigorate its users. We believe that the efficient, spontaneous crystallization of clarity forms the core of communication. Fresh, creative information has the power to facilitate communication. It entertains, seduces, and fascinates the audience. Originally, a creator was defined as one who contributed to this phase. Joy --or --humor--demands that creator and audience share a relatively high level of mutual understanding, and thus can be judged as "advanced" communication technology. We will also approach sub-themes such as identity, sustainability, education. The goal of the Congress and all of its parts is to deepen our understanding of the multilateral possibilities of design. In holding the Congress in 2003, we have coined the term "VISUALOGUE": an index to "a new method of dialogue" dependent upon visual elements. In other words, we will challenge ourselves to redesign the very format and style of conferences. We will invent specific VISUALOGUE elements, both for time (interludes in the Congress program) and space (the Congress venue). The results may be something like this: Seminars, symposiums, and any other form of discourse involving singular themes and large groups of participants, can be held in the VISUALOGUE format. Being a gathering of graphic designers, the Congress itself will be designed; both format and technique are those most appropriate to graphic designers. We look forward to sharing this unique method with you in October 2003. Speakers sit face to face on a stage completely surrounded by the audience... During the Sessions, the speakers--each backed by a large scale screen-- sit against the walls, and the audience gathers in the middle... Speakers deliver their lectures from elevated chairs implanted within audience seating...