Quicklinks to all course lessons:  1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12   13   14   15
​Lesson 6 Sections:    6-1    6-2    6-3    6-4    6-5    6-6    6-7   6-8    6-JFF    6-IDEA

A06-01: Taking the Abstract to the Concrete - Infographics

Objectives:

1. ​Start applying what you've learned in our textbook, Visual Language for Designers, as you begin to design an infographic for your portfolio exhibit 4. Also apply the principles of contrast, repetition, alignment, typography, and proximity to creating an easy to decipher, organized (message hierarchy), professional looking infographic.

Learn:
First of all - be sure to read Visual Language for Designers - Make the Abstract Concrete (Pages 129-168).

One very common graphic designs today are infographics.  According to Wikipedia, Information graphics or infographics are graphic 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. 

Have a look at the following, with a critical eye to design concepts you've already learned (Contrast or focal point, repetition for unity and organization, alignment for clarity and organization, proximity for grouping related informational items together, color choice, etc.:

• The 56 best infographics
• The Do's and Don'ts of Infographic Design
• 10 Steps to Designing an Amazing Infographic
• Pinterest search - Infographic

Video: How I create an infographic (5:46)

Video: Illustrator tutorial: The five keys to a great infographic | lynda.com (4:43)

There are many tools available to build infographics: Photoshop, Illustrator, even online tools:

• https://www.canva.com/create/infographics/
• https//infogram.com
• https://piktochart.com/
• https://venngage.com
• https://www.visme.co/
• http://www.easel.ly/

​Just be aware that these online tools will limit you to using their pre-canned materials and designs.  Although the videos recommend you use Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop has a good selection of vector tools you can use, as well as being able to import vector images.

For your portfolio exhibit 4 next week, you can use any of these tools, including Adobe Illustrator if you're familiar with that.  Play around with these tools, just to see what they'd do for you, and what they'll limit you with for their free accounts. You might find it easier just to create an infographic in Photoshop, where you have total control over what you create. For resources, such as fonts, graphics, icons, backgrounds, and more - use the Photoshop Resources in the Resources section of our class website.

Apply: Suggested process for creating an infographic:

1. An infographic for screen should be 1000 - 1200 pixels wide at 72 DPI.  Decide upon a height - you can always use the crop tool later to add more height to your infographic.
2. Decide on the topic you want to present
3. Determine your messages and organize your message hierarchy
4. Gather the data you need to present your messages
5. Design your message flow
6. Decide upon the best method for presenting the data behind your messages - how can you present this data in an easy-to-grasp, clear way that will grab the attention of the viewer.
7. Decide on the best graphics and color scheme to use. Gather them.
8. Build the rough draft of your infographic and have a couple people look it over for you.  Did they get it?
9. Using feedback you have received, prepare the final version of your infographic.

Infographic example

Infographic Example

Optional resources to share with you! (Not required)

A great resource for free vector icons - https://www.flaticon.com/

Page last updated January 6, 2020