Creating Infographics

PRESENTER: Do you know what it takes to create a unique and engaging infographic? Striking colors? Neat typography? Sensational headlines?

There are so many roads that your infographic could go down. At its core, an infographic is supposed to be a quick and easy way of conveying information to your audience. It should visually appeal to the audience, convey essential data, build awareness, and maybe even generate leads if you're using infographics for business purposes.

So what makes an infographic effective? Number one, informational honesty. We live in an internet age where fact-checking is easier than ever, so be sure that all the information in your infographic is truthful and honest. If you provide figures from somewhere else, back up these figures by asterisking your sources.

Number two, legibility. Although it's tempting to whip out the calligraphy style fonts in an effort to look fancy, you should prioritize fonts which are simple and easy to read. Also, avoid making your infographic too busy, keeping the style on the minimalist side.

Number three, simple illustrations. Make your illustrations simple and ensure that they complement the data being conveyed in the infographic. Complex illustrations will distract your audience from what's important, your message. You're trying to communicate information, not replace Rembrandt.

Number four, limited colors. Limit your color palette if you're trying to create an infographic which is visually appealing. As a general rule of thumb, use three main colors with the lightest color forming the background and the darker two colors breaking up different sections. Too many clashing colors will give your audience a headache.

Number five, interactive elements. Although adding interactive elements to your infographic is appealing, consider whether it is relevant to what you're trying to achieve. If you need to convey a lot of information about different subjects, interactivity could be the easiest way to spread out this information without having to make your font tiny.

And there you have it. Go forth, and spread your message with your fancy new infographic.

PRESENTER: So you have your idea, you've done your research, and you've collected your data. Now you're probably wondering what type of infographic format would best represent and communicate your information effectively. There are many different types of infographics. And sometimes a combination of these types is used in a single infographic. So as you plan your infographic design, consider these 10 types of infographics.

Number one, a visual article infographic makes a piece of writing more visual. It is best used to cut down on text or make an article more interesting and enjoyable to consume. It also increases sharing potential through social networks.

Number two, the list-based infographic supports a claim through a series of steps. It is best used to support a specific claim or argument. Your list can go from top to bottom, left to right, or it can even move across your page.

Number three, a map infographic showcases data trends based on location. It is best used to compare places or cultures with setting-centric data or demographics.

Number four, the comparison, or versus infographic compares two things in a head-to-head study. It is best used to highlight differences between two similar things or highlight similarities between two unlike things. It can also be used to prove how one option is superior or inferior to the other option.

Number five, the flowchart infographic offers specific answers to a question via reader choices. It is best used to provide personalized solutions for readers or show how multiple situations can reach the same conclusion.

Number six, a data visualization infographic communicates complex data through charts and graphs. It can even showcase data through design. It is best used to make data driven arguments easier to understand and make facts or statistics more enjoyable to absorb.

Number seven, the timeline infographic tells a story through a chronological flow. It is best used to show how something has changed over time or make a long, complicated story easier to understand. It can also show how one thing leads to another.

Number eight, a visual resume turns text-based resumes into stunning visuals. It is best used to help job candidates get noticed during the recruitment process. It also helps candidates stand out in non-traditional industries or positions that are looking for creative and out-of-the-box thinking.

Number nine, a process infographic helps explain a series of steps or actions to complete a task. It is best used to simplify a complex process, or to break down each step with information that is easy to digest.

Number 10, an animated infographic adds motion to complex information and ideas. It is best used to capture and hold your viewer's attention. It can also direct the attention where you want it.

Now that you're familiar with these 10 types of infographics and when to use them, it's easy to choose a format that works for your content. So grab your information and data because you're ready to organize it visually.