Francesco Fiondella
International Research Institute for Climate and Society
francesco@iri.columbia.edu
To get a sense of why participants want to use infographics and their experiences thus far.
To show participants examples of the kinds of information graphics that are possible and which can help them communicate different elements of their work.
To give an overview of infographics best practices and good design principles
Visual representations of information, data or knowledge intended to present information quickly and clearly. They can improve cognition by utilizing graphics to enhance the human visual system’s ability to see patterns and trends. (Wikipedia)
Infographics are important because they change the way people find and experience stories or presentations.
Information graphics have a flow to them. They’re data visualizations that present complex information quickly and clearly. Data presented using visual shorthand. (visual.ly)
Data visualizations are not necessarily infographics.
As always: Audience is always key!
As mentioned above, they can help distill complex information and lead to better and/or new ways of understanding an issue.
They can be high impact: more engagement with web stories, on social media (18% more click-throughs, 150% more RTs on Twitter, for example)
What’s the 1 (ONE!) story you’re trying to tell?
Layout matters. You must guide the viewer along.
*Colors, layout, and typography should be used consistently to form a hierarchy that makes the graphic easy to navigate and distinguish different types of information. A strong legend can also help the viewer find their way around the graphic efficiently.*
Visualize data. But communicate it clearly.
*Use colors to emphasize, not compete with each other. Remove clutter. Show only the most important elements. Everything else is chart junk.*
Typography and text.
Use easy to read fonts. Never more than 3 types. Avoid small type - means you’re adding too much text!
Use text sparingly. The best infographics have visual impact, with the text acting as a secondary explanation for the visual content.
Bold title
Spacing, alignment matter. Be consistent.
Grids are your best friend!
brainstorm ideas for graphics from participants - maybe pick one or two who have sound idea - any good data sets?
what skills do you need?
Pros and Cons? - high impact, lots of investment of time and resources.
How can you simplify the data to tell one solid story?
Who are your ideal audiences?
Wall Street Journal http://graphics.wsj.com/infectious-diseases-and-vaccines/
Wall Street Journal
CCAFS
Wall Street Journal
CCAFS
NOAA CPO
Ryan MacEachern
Wall Street Journal/Francesco Fiondella