Module IV: INFOGRAPHICS

Objectives: At the end of the unit, the students must have been able to
a) identify the message conveyed in the text;
b) determine the purpose of the message;
c) analyze how the message is conveyed;
d) explain intelligently for whom the message is intended;
e) elaborate the other ways of presenting a message.
 Lesson I: Determining the Message

Lesson Objectives: At the end of the lesson, the student must be able to:
a) define infographics and discuss its characteristics;
b) determine and explain the message relayed in an infographics;
c) identify the ways and discuss the three main classifications of infographics
and the type of data they present;
d) analyze the meaning of infographics as it is used in social context

What is an infographic?
An infographic (information graphic) is a representation of information in a
graphic format designed to make the data easily understandable at a
glance.
People use infographics to quickly communicate a message, simplify the
presentation of large amounts of data, see data patterns and relationships,
and monitor changes in variables.
Infographics have become increasingly popular because of their ability to
quickly convey large amounts of information in an appealing package.

An infographic timeline depicting the history of data visualization

How are infographics made?
The process of creating infographics is sometimes referred to as data visualization.
Designers start by researching the topic and gathering data and then organizing it into a
visual format. This can include creating charts, graphs, maps, timelines or other visuals
to help tell the story.
As infographics' popularity has grown, infographic creators have become more creative
with their designs, using animations and interactive elements to provide a more
engaging experience for viewers.
Once the infographic is designed, it can be shared with viewers online via social media
platforms, such as Twitter and Facebook, or through print materials, like brochures and
posters.

Inf
ographic example presenting large amounts of information about hyper-converged edge
computing
Do you have to be a designer to create an infographic?
People and organizations don't have to be professional designers in order to create an
infographic. There are many online infographic-making tools that make it easy for
anyone to make engaging visuals from data. These programs come with templates and
design options so they can customize their infographic without any coding or graphic
design experience.

In
fographic example illustrating how citizen developers due to low-code application
development platforms offer IT relief -- and headaches
What are some use cases for infographics?
Infographics predate writing as a means of disseminating information -- cave drawings
are probably the earliest known example. People were also creating and using maps
before the advent of written language.
Today, infographics abound in almost any public environment -- traffic signs, subway
maps, tag clouds, musical scores and weather charts are just a few examples, among a
huge number of possibilities. Below are a few more use cases for infographics:
Enterprise
In the enterprise, infographics are used by all levels of management for high-level views
of data. Infographics include bar graphs, pie charts, histograms, line charts, tree
diagrams, mind maps, Gantt charts and network diagrams. Such tools are often
components of business intelligence software. As the amount of data being amassed in
the enterprise and elsewhere increases, infographics are being used more and more
frequently to help people understand the information contained in that data.
Digital marketing
In digital marketing, infographics can help companies make their products more visible
online. By creating visually attractive content that conveys useful facts and figures about
the product, customers are more likely to remember it. Furthermore, infographics can
help marketers attract potential customers from social media platforms with eye-
catching visuals.
IT
In IT, an infographic can be used to illustrate a project's progress or help explain
systems or application architecture for new employees. They also provide succinct
summaries that help speed up the decision-making process.

Infographic example using a variety of visual elements to present a guide to digital

transformation
Education
Infographics can also be beneficial in education, as they encourage learners to interact
with complex topics and concepts in a visual way. By presenting information through
visuals, students are more likely to remember the material and stay engaged in the
learning process.
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This was last updated in February 2023

How to Understand Meanings in the Infographics

In order to understand the message being relayed by infographics, readers should
consider the three main parts in the interpretation of meaning. These parts are the
structure, content and design of the infographics.
1. Structure. Infographics have a definite structure. Structure is the arrangement
of all the elements and how they are presented. These elements are all
connected in one concrete concept. Readers need to determine how all these
elements are organized to comprehend its meaning.
a. Are the texts arranged in chronological order, cause-effect, similarity-
contrast, enumerating a list, etc.?
b. What are the relationships of the texts or data to each other? Do they
compare-contrast, narrate an event, enumerate facts, etc.?
2. Content. All infographics are made based on a certain topic. Content are
constructed out of this topic and expressed in visual form in order to simplify
complex ideas. Readers should identify the parts and how they relate to the
whole.
a. What is the topic all about?
b. What are the supporting details and evidences?
3. Design. Infographics are visually pleasing because of its design. Design help
relay the content or message of the infographics. The design of infographics
connects the elements, relates information, and supports comprehension.
a. What does the biggest text imply? Do font style and size lend to the
meaning of the text?
b. What do the colors represent?
c. Do the spacing, alignment and white space direct or connect the flow
of idea?
d. Do icons, numbers, graphs and images highlight information, add to
the overall understanding and help you visualize key points?

Keep in mind that the infographic should not be about you nor your brand or topic.
You design a specific type of infographic because it’s more convenient on your end and
should never be the goal. It boils down to providing much value to your target audience.
After all, there’s no point reaching out to millions when your message doesn’t even
resonate with them. Think value over volume. The question you should be asking is
“What’s in it for your target audience and readers?”

10 Types of Infographics with Examples and When to Use Them

Source: https://www.easel.ly/blog/types-of-infographics/

1. Visual infographic. This infographic format makes a piece of writing or boring report
more visual.
When to use: You need to cut down on text
You want to make a plain article more interesting
You’d like to increase the sharing potential of your infographic
Example:

2. List-based
infographic. If you want to support a claim through a series of steps,
the list-based infographic format is a good option.
When to use: support a specific claim or argument

Example:
3. Map infographic. The map infographic format is ideal for presenting and sharing
data trends based on location
When to use: compare places and cultures using location-centric data

Example:

4. Versus or comparison infographic. The comparison infographic format compares two

ideas, concepts, or objects.
When to use: highlight differences between two similar things
highlight similarities between two unlike things
prove one option is superior/inferior to the other

Example:
5. Data visualization or statistical infographic. Data visualization is ideal in illustrating
complex data and information through charts, graphs, and/or
design.
When to use: make data-driven arguments easier to understand
make facts and statistics more interesting to absorb
Example:

6. Flowchart
infographic. A flowchart infographic offers specialized answers to a
question via reader choices
When to Use: provide personalized answers for readers
showcase how multiple situations can reach the same conclusion

Example:
7. Timeline infographic. Use the timeline infographic format when you want to tell a
story chronologically.
When to use: show how something has changed over time
make a long, complicated story easier to understand
show how one thing leads to another

Example:

8. Visual resume.
infographic resume helps job candidates in getting noticed during the recruitment
process by turning their text-based resumes into stunning infographics.
When to Use: Stand out in industries that are the most open to non-traditional resumes
such as graphic design, marketing, and tech start ups

Example:

9.
Process
infographic. A process infographic helps explain the steps of a process,
somehow similar to the flowchart.
When to Use: Simplify and break down a complex process into easy-to-digest steps
or pieces of information

Example:

10. Animated infographics. Animated infographics are a great way to get your
audience’s attention through interactive elements,
pops of color, or smooth transitions. The subtle micro-
animations help highlight particular
sections in your infographic.
When to Use: Attract audiences who favour creativity, out-of-the-box ideas, and
novelty in the types of content they consume
Example:
Task: 1. Construct your Resumӗ with appropriate infographics.
2. Make a flow chart infographic of the enrolment process you have
undergone. Begin in the pre-registration process.