how to make awesome infographics

INFOGRAPHICS

101By Kayli Kunkel

WHY INFOGRAPHICS?

On a daily basis, the average American is bombarded with five times more information than he saw 15 years ago.

Our brains process visuals faster: On average, it takes 50 seconds to read 200-250 words but only 1/10 of a second to process a visual scene.

“The new Drake University mascot, Griff, showed up to

the basketball game in a Drake Bulldogs jersey and a pink

feathered boa.”

In a crowded media scene, good graphics stand out.

Infographics are everywhere, and also more scrutinized than

ever. They are easy to make; not easy to make well.

CONTENT

WHAT WORKS 1. Listicles —“10 workout myths, busted”

2. Timelines —“Star Wars over the years”

3. Statistic-heavy information —Financial report

4. Visual information —“World’s tallest mountains”

Example:

Connecting random but connected statistics in a visual graphic that implies an overarching trend.

Example:

Statistics better expressed visually than through text alone.

Example:

Aggregating variety of statistics to improve overall conception of a topic. “Myth vs. Fact” format is popular and easy to implement.

WHAT DOESN’T WORK 1. Weighty topics —When you can’t/shouldn’t oversimplify in few words, e.g. “Race relations in America”

2. Complicated topics —“How computers work”

3. Inconclusive/meaningless stats —“Celebrities’ favorite foods;” light topic, but no meaning or connection to draw

PROCESS

1. Whittle down topic —Decide on format, too

2. Gather relevant facts —At this point, just a Word doc —Record your sources

3. Group similar facts

4. Weave into narrative

5. Map out design

Step 5: Mapping out design with sketches

WRITING

1. Brevity —Be concise

2. Straightforward —Use wordplay sparingly

3. Spell it out —Draw conclusions for the reader

DESIGN

DIGITAL

PRINTHorizontal format, CMYK color, higher resolution (300dpi or print standard)

Vertical format for scrolling, RGB color (on mobile ensure larger text to avoid zooming)

1. No more than 2-3 fonts

2. Simple, appropriate colors —Color.adobe.com is useful —Remember connotations: red=urgency, green=energy, blue=calm

3. Consider publication’s design

K.I.S.S., the Golden Design Rule “Keep it Simple, Stupid.”

Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.

Design with intention.

MISTAKES

TOO BUSY

UNCLEAR

UNNECESSARY

WRONG VISUALS

WORDY

RECAP

1. Report thoroughly.

2. Organize carefully.

3. Write concisely.

4. Design sparingly.

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

Kayli Kunkel

kkunkel@lexiconcontentmarketing.com