Infographic Design Guidelines and Tips
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Ipit Zulfan- Introduction to Infographics
- Colour Scheme
- Typography
- Graphic Style
- Communication Principles
- Examples of Good Infographics
- Examples of Bad Infographics
- Redesign Attempt
- Additional Resources
Common questions
Powered by AIMisusing graphics can lead to confusion if they do not support the underlying message, as they can detract from the information being communicated . To avoid this, GDS advises using flat, solid colors without gradients or shadows, and graphics should only serve to explain data clearly . Overcomplicating graphics with too many elements or type sizes, as seen in some 'bad examples', can make the information harder to understand .
The use of hierarchy in graphic design helps structure information in an infographic by establishing a clear visual path for readers to follow, thereby enhancing comprehension . By organizing elements according to their importance, such as using size, color, and placement strategically, designers can guide the viewer's attention to key data points, improving overall understanding and ease of navigation .
Graphical representation of relative scales can effectively convey complex data by making comparisons more intuitive. For example, 'When Sea Levels Attack!' visualizes expected sea level rise over 80 years against landmarks, making the data more accessible and impactful . Additionally, 'The Billion Dollar Gram' presents the cost-value relationship of various items through scaled graphics, simplifying the understanding of large numeric values . These methods expose patterns and magnitudes that might be missed in text form, enhancing comprehension.
GDS recommends using a defined color palette, adhering to specific RGB values, to maintain consistency across infographics . Typography should be kept simple, using Helvetica as the sole typeface with minimal variation in weights and sizes . This uniform approach aims to improve clarity and coherence, enabling the message to be the focal point rather than the design elements.
Infographics can be less effective when they are overcomplicated by excessive graphic elements and varied typography. The 'Save $65,541 on your mortgage' example is criticized for overly playful design with multiple type sizes and graphic elements that confuse rather than clarify the calculations, making it difficult for the audience to process the information . This exemplifies how poor design choices can detract from the infographic's purpose to communicate simply and effectively.
David McCandless’s infographics effectively communicate complex data by adhering to principles that emphasize clarity and visual relatability. For instance, they often use color coding to categorize and scale graphics proportionally to the values they represent, such as in 'The Billion Dollar Gram' which clearly illustrates value-cost relationships . These strategies align with GDS recommendations to use graphics that support the message, making complex information more accessible and understandable .
Infographics can expose patterns obscured by text or lists through visual representation of data relationships. For instance, McCandless’s 'Scientific evidence for popular dietary supplements' arranges information based on evidence strength, allowing readers to quickly identify patterns among numerous data points . This graphical approach facilitates immediate recognition of trends and relationships, which textual or tabular formats might complicate due to linear constraints .
Simplifying complex data into infographic format can significantly enhance public understanding by breaking down large amounts of information into digestible visuals. For example, the infographic on projected sea level rise simplifies a vast 80-year forecast into a graph with familiar locations, making the scale of the issue readily apparent and relatable . By doing so, infographics can transform abstract data into concrete insights, facilitating better public comprehension of significant issues .
Infographics using solid flat colors and a minimalistic design align closely with GDS's principles as they prioritize clarity and comprehension over decoration . This approach reduces visual clutter and directs the focus toward the data, ensuring that the graphics aid rather than obscure the communication of information . By avoiding gradients and shadows, the design maintains simplicity, which helps prevent misinterpretation and facilitates easier digestion of the presented information.
Typeface choice plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of infographic communication by ensuring readability and coherence. GDS guidelines recommend using a single typeface, Helvetica, with minimal weights or sizes to maintain uniformity . This minimizes distractions and aids in the clear transmission of information, as a consistent typeface can enhance focus on content rather than formatting, aligning with the principle of communicating rather than decorating .
