How to Create an Infographic

Infographics

The overall goal of an infographic is to provide a visual synthesis of  your message in context. As is evident from the name the information is represented through images and relies heavily on graphics (not words) to relay the key ideas and meanings.

Typically, you will be asked to use a tool such as PowerPoint or Piktochart to create a visual representation of the relationships and connections among and between facts, concepts, theories, models, etc for the subject matter you are studying.  (Limit text, but remember citations and references.) For example, in PowerPoint, one slide of 10X20 inches can be developed using graphics (rather than text) to convey ideas and map your mental model of a subject. (To adjust the size of your slide in PowerPoint, go to Design, and then Page Setup.)

As noted above, it is important to cite sources and provide correctly formatted references, even for infographics.

For concrete examples, as well as some useful tools and tips, here is are a couple of blog posts:

Questions to Consider

  • What is being communicated?  To whom? Why?
  • What is the message?  What is the context?  What are the relationships and connections?
  • How does the story flow?
  • What images or graphics will represent the message without abstracting it too far or overburdening it with details?
  • What media and design elements will contribute to or detract from the message?
  • What is the best way to communicate the message and tell the story in context?

Possible Tools

  • PowerPoint
  • Piktochart