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Introduction to Infographics

Visualizing Data

The University of Toronto’s data visualization guide includes resources that can help you pick the right visualization form, and this Venngage webpage explains how to choose the right chart type for your infographic 

Take a look at this Example Worksheet from UNC Chapel Hill to create a rough outline for your infographic! This worksheet can help you walk through your ideas and begin planning out the visual elements you’ll need to capture the important data you’ll be expressing! 

Piktochart and Venngage are two great resources for finding infographic templates that you can edit, rework, and build off of to suit your data! Check out the University of Guelph’s guide on using Piktochart effectively! (https://guides.lib.uoguelph.ca/GraphicDesign)  

Take advantage of preattentive attributes! These are things that our eyes perceive and process quickly without conscious attention. Use elements of form (like length, width, size, shape), color, and position to emphasize points or draw the eye through the infographic. To highlight important elements, make sure there is as much contrast as possible.

 

An image showing the five steps in the infographic design workflow

  • Identify the purpose of the infographic and its intended audience 

  • Select, prepare, and explore relevant data 

  • Select the broad form of the visualization based on audience, purpose, and data 

  • Select the visual elements within the infographic, including the data and variables to display, what text to include, the layout, etc. 

  • Share and Receive Feedback 

Developed by University of Toronto's Map and Data Library

Here are some useful design tips from Seneca College;

1. Determine what you want to show (the scope of your content; the audience; intended message).  

2. Pinpoint the interesting patterns / data / findings (it’s data visualization, not data beautification). 

3. Find an appropriate metaphor / mental model (look at examples if you need inspiration). 

4. Lay out the content and design the graphical elements.  

5. Put it all together (allow plenty of time for this activity). 

6. Step back and review your infographic. Look at it as a whole and ask yourself "Does this infographic work for you and your audience?" 

7. Revise.