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
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)
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
- Branding: does your organisation have brand colours you can use in the infographic?
- Use the colour wheel and colour theory
- Think about accessibility! Check your colour contrast
References and Resources
- https://canvas.wpi.edu/courses/14090/pages/ultimate-infographic-design-guide
- https://www.canva.com/learn/create-infographics/
- https://www.format.com/magazine/resources/design/how-to-make-an-infographic
- https://venngage.com/blog/infographic-design/
- https://venngage.com/blog/how-to-pick-colors/
- https://color.adobe.com/create/color-contrast-analyzer
Explore Further
- Community-led Design Wiki
- Creating your Brand Identity
- Projecting Power: Visual Strategy for Movements
- Commons Library Skills Sessions
- To keep updated on resources like this subscribe to our newsletter.
Thank you
Thanks to the John T Reid Charitable Trust for their generous support with this and the Commons Library’s other Skills Sessions.