Infographics: A Guide

An infographic project should always address a set of questions. Typically, an infographic revolves around a primary issue that forms its general subject, alongside two or three secondary issues that the content will explore.

(source: Travaux à part)
 

In this example, the main issue revolves around heating practices among the French. The secondary aspects centre on factual elements, such as heating methods, average energy costs, and areas of heat loss in a house. These sub-issues are supported by statistical and numerical data that provide answers to the underlying questions. It is through this data that the essential message is conveyed.

If you have your own data, that’s great: you just need to structure and incorporate it. If not, you’ll need to gather figures from external sources (as in the example above). The first step in searching for data is to use Google. The search engine is more sophisticated than it may initially seem, as you can refine your search by using various techniques: placing the desired phrase within quotation marks to search for specific terms together, adding the word “data” or a particular format (such as “pdf” or “xls”) to the query, instructing Google to focus on a specific site (e.g., “site:example.com”), and more. To collect data from the web, you can also consult the following resources:

Let’s explore the different infographic templates available.

This infographic focuses on presenting numerical and statistical data. It visually emphasises the data with larger fonts and colours, uses various visual forms such as icons, diagrams, and charts, and incorporates images or illustrations. The text is kept concise, and limited to essential details.

This template is ideal for presenting various aspects of a topic. It stands out with its structured approach, clear sections, descriptive subheadings to provide context, and user-friendly design that allows viewers to quickly find relevant information. It offers more comprehensive text blocks to provide in-depth information.

The chronological infographic model emphasises the progression, trends, or historical aspects of a specific subject. It effectively represents a time period by highlighting key dates, providing visual cues for easy navigation, and incorporating text blocks to provide context.

This format is particularly suitable for presenting geographical or demographic data for various purposes. It can be used to indicate locations (e.g., different brand outlets), provide informative maps accompanied by statistical data, compare regions or countries, and more.

As the name suggests, the comparative infographic juxtaposes two elements for the purposes of comparison and assisting viewers in decision-making. It employs a visually appealing and easily understandable layout, incorporating icons, images, colours, and fonts to enhance visual impact. The information presented is clear and memorable.

(source: Libération)

The process infographic model aims to visually represent the steps involved in a particular process. It features a clear and straightforward layout, using numbered subtitles, recognisable icons or visuals, and directional markers such as lines or arrows to guide viewers through each step.

(source: attestis.com)

To organise data based on their importance, the hierarchical infographic format is highly effective. It is often presented in the form of a pyramid or organisational chart. This model employs an explicit visual layout that ensures immediate understanding and retention by viewers.

This template capitalises on two formats that are popular among internet users: infographics and standard lists. It combines the visual appeal of infographics with the structured format of a list. Icons, images, colours, and typography are used to enhance the visual elements of the list. The listing format offers flexibility, allowing for non-hierarchical or non-vertical arrangements.