How to Design a Great Infographic: A Beginner’s Guide
Information graphics or infographics are generally graphical representations of information, knowledge or data. Many of these graphics present complex information in a quick and concise manner, enough so a reader can view an infographic and interpret information much more readily than if they had to read and analyze the data themselves.
Since infographics, also referred to as data visualizations, present a more digestible form of information, many publishers and media outlets use infographics to help spread information across the internet. You’ll even find infographics in print media, like brochures. Another way of thinking of infographics is as visual shorthand that helps people understand informative concepts on the fly.
How Do I Design An Infographic?
Designing a great infographic is actually easier than you think. Thanks to the advancement and proliferation of image editing software, almost anyone with a computer can arrange and present important and/or valuable information in the form of an infographic.
For those without the ability to use image editing software, there are many graphic designers or design agencies who can help you design and create your very own infographic, utilizing their expertise to not only design your graphic but also help develop your concept.
But if you can’t afford to hire a graphic design firm to handle the creation of your infographics, it bears repeating: you can do it by yourself. Even if you don’t have advanced graphic design skills, you can still create one on your own. Many free to use image editing programs have templates that can be reworked into an infographic or you can start from scratch.
2 Important Questions To Ask Yourself Before Designing Your Infographic
An infographic is supposed to present visualization of a data-centric concept you wish to present to your audience. To create your own great infographic, keep these factors in mind:
How complex is your overall idea? What information do you want to present to your readers? In an infographic, the graphical bits of information are key. You don’t want to include extraneous content—just the important parts that will resonate with your readers. These important “nuggets” of information are what should be included and of course presented graphically.
Are you presenting an idea that’s already been done? What can your readers take away from the content within your infographic? An infographic should be concise when it comes to information. If your reader looks at your infographic, they should gain some understanding of the concept you’re presenting in graphical form. Also, try presenting a concept that hasn’t been presented yet—you’ll likely end up teaching someone something new.
Whatever angle you’re approaching, remember that your infographic should tell a story. Random bits of information will not tell a good story nor hold your readers’ attention. Good luck!