An infographic a visual presentation of information in the form of charts, graphs, or other images accompanied by minimal text, intended to give an easily understood overview, often of a complex subject
Infographics can be broken into these main components:
Visual (colors and graphics)
Content (data, statistics and/or facts)
Knowledge (analysis or insight into the data)
Steps to Creating an Infographic
Once you've read through the parameters of the assignment and selected a topic, follow these broad steps to create an infographic:
Know your data and purpose
Creating an infographic requires you to do thorough research on your topic. Read everything and collect as much data as you can find related to your subject matter. Consult a librarian if you need help!
Plan "the Story"
An infographic is a visual story about a subject and it needs to have a beginning, middle and end. Create a wireframe to help tell the story.
Convert Text to Images (pick a chart type)
Try to transform as much of your data and text into a visual imagery. This is where charts, graphs, diagrams, flowcharts, maps and other graphical elements come into play.
Determine the Visual Approach (choose tools)
Determine the color scheme, typography (font color and size) and structure. The general rule of thumb is to keep things simple. Use 2-3 font types, sizes and colors maximum.
Proofread and Refine
Have a friend, instructor, librarian, etc. proofread your work before you publish it. Be sure the data and information you are sharing is accurate and your work is grammatically correct and typo free.
Publish
Once you've finalized your infographic, share it with your classmaters, instructor and the world!
The FT Visual Vocabulary is at the core of a newsroom-wide training session aimed at improving chart literacy. This learning resource is inspired by the Graphic Continuum by Jon Schwabish and Severino Ribecca. This is not an attempt to teach everyone how to make charts, but how to recognise the opportunities to use them effectively alongside words.