Infographics

Situation

Examples

Click here to be directed to a Pinterest board of previous student work.

Instructions

1. Research Ideas & Choose the Topic: It is always good to research existing designs. This will help inspire you and direct your own design. Take time to review the 8 infographic categories on this page and start pinning your own. Think about topics you are passionate about or enjoy as you are looking around for examples. Decide on a general topic that you would want to gather some data on.
2. Gather some data: The purpose of an infographic is to visually display a lot of information in an easily digestible way. This data can be collected from websites, databases, or you could conduct your own surveys. Do not use data from other infographics.
3. Quick & easy infographic generators: There are many generators that will allow you to throw together some quick and attractive infographics. These are nice to get ideas, but they are limited in the what they can do. You will often be creating infographics that go well beyond the scope of these generators.
4. Plan out and sketch: After you have collected the data it is time to start planning out your design. All good infographics have a good hook. A hook grabs the readers attention and summarizes what the main idea of the infographic is. Often this hook is the infographic title. Make sure your title uses design principles to attract the attention of the reader. This hook should be the central part of your design. All graphics should relate and backup this main idea. Brainstorm graphics that relate to the data you have collected. Sketch out simple versions of these graphics. Collect images that you might use as a base for your graphics. Organize your data and graphics in a logical, visually appealing form. Be sure to plan out what order you want your viewer to flow through your design. You might need to use lines, arrows, or other elements that help direct the viewer in a logical sequence.
5. Vectorize & design: After sketching out your plan, start creating your graphics and other design elements. First take some time to pick a color scheme. You might want to limit your design to 3 or 4 main colors. Try using Adobe Kuler (or similar site) to pick colors that work nicely together. Next, decide on what type of background (texture, solid color, gradient, etc) would fit with your topic. You don’t want to have a plain white background for your infographic. Then take your sketched graphics and vectorize them using Adobe Illustrator. Finally incorporate a stylized graph or chart. Push this past the standard boring chart or graph. Anyone can make one of these.
6. Gather feedback and critique: Feedback and critique should be gathered during every stage of this project. You are designing a graphic that is going to be shared with many people you will never personally see. It is important for them to understand the graphic and the data without you there personally to explain it. Seeking constant feedback and critique will allow you to know if people are getting your design.
7. Seek Evaluation: Showcase your work to others for honest feedback. Give no explanation of your process, audience, or objectives. Ask them the following questions:
   • What is the message, and is it clear?
   • What is the hook or focal point?
   • Who is the intended audience?
   • How does your eye flow through the information?

Infographic Types

Here are 8 Infographic categories that will help you determine what you want to do for your project. Visit the Pinterest links to see examples of Infographics in th

1. How-To (How-To Pinterest board)
2. Research Results (Research Results Pinterest board)
3. Compare & Contrast (Compare & Contrast Pinterest board)
4. Did You Know (Did You Know Pinterest board)
5. Demographics (Demographics Pinterest board)
6. Advocacy (Advocacy Pinterest board)
7. Timeline (Timeline Pinterest board)
8. Tips & Demos (Tips & Demos Pinterest board)