Tips for Designing Infographics

Introduction

A picture is worth a thousand words and infographics can liven up articles, posts, reports and other resources. As part of the Commons Library Skills Share sessions Sophie Hartley ran a workshop on 28 September 2022 which shared tips for designing infographics for social media and training purposes.

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What are Infographics?

  • A way of displaying information visually, using graphics
  • They help us to make connections and see patterns more quickly than if the information were displayed through text

Infographics should:

  • Tell a story visually
  • Display information clearly, concisely and accurately
  • Have a logical order and layout  
  • Condense information down into the most important points 

Infographics shouldn’t:

  • Obscure, manipulate or skew the data 
  • Try to fit too much information in (keep it simple) 

Types of Infographics and when we might use them

Lists

  • A more visually appealing way of listing information 
  • Use graphics/icons instead of bullet points 
  • Use numbers to help direct the flow of information  

icons of 9 items to take on a blockade camp including torch, sturdy shoes and tent
Infographic from
A Beginners Guide to a Blockade Camp 

Timeline

  • Visualising dates and events in chronological order
  • Helps to emphasise key milestones 

Process

  • Like a recipe or a method for a science experiment 
  • Tells you each step involved in a process
  • Numbering the steps helps keep the flow of information clear 

Statistical

  • Focusses on displaying data visually 
  • Uses charts, graphs and icons to display information 
  • For example: display key results from a survey

Geographic

  • Location specific information 
  • Usually in the form of a map

Comparison

  • Compare two options side by side
  • Usually split down the middle with one option on each side 

Plan Your Lay Out: How to organize your information

Get creative & use metaphor!

  • Once you’ve decided what type of infographic you should use – get creative with how you display your information 
  • Use metaphor to help make the patterns and connections clear (e.g. an image of a road for a roadmap) 

a large iceberg

Infographic from Mobilization Lab

Tips for Layout

  • Organise your information logically to help your viewer see what is most important
  • Use lines, boxes, arrows & numbers 
  • Use images and graphics to help tell your story visually   

Notes on Colour

References and Resources

Explore Further

Thank you

Thanks to the John T Reid Charitable Trust for their generous support with this and the Commons Library’s other Skills Sessions.


  • Author:
  • Organisation: Commons Library
  • Location: Australia
  • Release Date: 2022
  • Content length: 14:35 mins

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