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  

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.