Infographics are visual representations of data and other forms of information. They combine text, images, illustrations, and data visualizations like charts and graphs to communicate ideas in ways that are quick and easy to understand. They typically aim to inform the reader about a topic or persuade people about a particular claim or argument.
Read your assignment instructions carefully. Questions about your infographic assignment? Ask your instructor or TA.
What is your guiding research question? What do you want your audience to learn from your infographic? Once you’ve determined your topic, start Gathering Your Research Material!
Be sure to keep a detailed list of sources that you’ve consulted throughout the research process, as you’ll have to cite these materials in your infographic!
After you’ve determined what your infographic will be like and found the basic direction for your research, it may be a good idea to look at other infographics on similar topics!
Take notice of how other creators have made use of their data visualizations, how they’ve streamlined their text, what design choices they’ve made that do and don’t work, and how you might create your own.
Take a look at the Types of Infographics you may want to use! Will you be working with statistics and numerical information? Are you presenting a timeline or instructional guide?
Based on your research and the goals of your project, determine a style of infographic to work from and produce a written outline of the important data you hope to present! Try the Infographic Planning Sheet if you're looking for a resource to help you create your written outline.
Once you’ve produced an outline of the content you’ll present in your infographic, you should be sure to edit and review your work. Make sure you follow any requirements included in your assignment instructions!
If you’re working with collaborators, this is a great chance for everyone to double check your research materials and ensure that your project is headed in the right direction! Be sure to review your work at every stage!
Using an infographic template or other data visualization tools, start creating the graphical elements of your project! Take a look at our guide on Visualization Tips as well as our guide on which Infographic Tools you may want to use throughout your project!
It’s important to consider the accessibility of your visualizations as well! Be sure to consider the colour contrast, spacing, composition, and legibility of your graphics! Check out our guide on Accessibility in Infographics in order to familiarize yourself with Screen Readers and infographic design elements that suit all kinds of audiences!
Once you’ve created your infographic, it’s important to review your work for accuracy! Finding a peer to read over your work may be helpful, as their impression of your infographic can help you determine if your content has been effectively represented!
Take a look at our list of Common Errors and Misrepresentations in Infographics to familiarize yourself with some of the accuracy problems that may present themselves when visualizing data!
Based on the feedback you’ve received throughout the creation of your infographic, you can finalize your designs and ensure that you’ve met your project goals and guidelines.
Be sure your work is accurate, accessible, compelling, and your work has been correctly cited before submitting!