1. WHAT IS AN INFOGRAPHIC
Data visualizations that present complex information quickly and clearly.
Visual representation of data, information, and/or knowledge
Visual elements - colors, graphics, icons, signs, maps, etc.
Content elements – text, facts, statistics, time frames, references
Knowledge – the facts and conclusion to convey the overall message or story

2. Introduction to Infographics
How does it work?
Utilizing available data, information, and/or knowledge the designer will create a visual representation.  
Who’s doing it?
Almost everyone - companies, educational institutions, non- profits, etc.

3. Introduction to Infographics
Why is it significant?
Conveys visual representation of relevant data
Engages audience
What are the downsides?
Data can be skewed and/or have a margin of error which would make the data irrelevant.  Data is constantly changing on a daily basis, so the information presented could be outdated.  

4. INFOGRAPHICS
Hamburgers: ds/hamburger /

5. INFOGRAPHICS

6. Evaluating Infographics
Not all infographics are good or accurate
Just like you validate a website, you should validate an infographic before using it
A Few Good Question to Ask:
Is it legible? Can you read it and make sense of it? 
Can you sum up the point or message in two sentences or less? 
Does it have a clear and meaningful title? 
Are there spelling or grammar errors? (if there are errors, chances are there are errors in the data)
Who is the author? Is there any credit or information to identify the author as reputable? 
Are there sources for the data? Visit the sources? Are they valid websites/sources? 
Color and graphics? Are they legible and easy to read? 

7. Characteristics of an Effective Infographic
Usefulness
Legibility
Design
Aesthetics
Easy to understand
Easy to read
Graphics should reflect purpose and audience
easy to follow
Clear purpose
Color scheme should not hinder ability to read
Graphics are good quality, not distracting and consistent
Overall design facilitates understanding
Reliable data (sources cited)
Graphs/diagrams labeled appropriately
Space used effectively (no excess clutter)
hierarchy/organization of data
Informative – viewer learns something
Font choice, size and color used to make legible
Appropriate use contrast and color
*based on University of Mary Washington, Infographics Blog

8. Creating Infographics
Gather your data
You need some hard numbers!
Use more than one valid resource
Determine your purpose
Plan your infographic.
Create a sketch, outline or flow chart
Start laying out your plan with software or an online tool
Gather and determine graphics, clip-art, photos
Evaluate your data and determine the best way to get it in a visual
Pie chart, diagram, bar chart?
Cite your data in a sources section
Apply a color scheme & choose fonts
Step back and evaluate it, get feedback and edit
Before you get started on your own infographic spend some time looking at other infographics and become familiar with different ways to display data.
If your purpose is data/fact drive – give the facts – avoid putting your opinion or bias into the design. If you want it to be subjective or persuasive – make that obvious in your design. Organize your data and numbers first – choose your sources first – reliable quality sources – hard numbers – avoid subjective or opinion-based data.
The Power of the Three-Color Palette The use (or misuse) of color can make or break your infographic. With all of the data that goes into an infographic, it’s critical that the reader’s eye easily flows down the page. Therefore, you need to select a palette that doesn’t attack the senses. This article from Smashing Magazine offers a helpful solution: stick to the rule of three, specifically three primary colors. One color (usually the lightest) should be used as the background and the other two should be used to break up the sections. Importantly, do this before you start designing, because it will help you determine how to visualize the various elements. From
Kathy’s step by step handout is what some of my suggestions for creating your infogrpahics are based on, be sure to have a look at it
Kathy Schrock’s Guide to Infographics:
Consider using the inverted pyramid style for your infographic – put the largest most important message the foundation of your infographic at the top and work your way down through the details. The inverted pyramid puts the most newsworthy information at the top, and then the remaining information follows in order of importance, with the least important at the bottom.

9. Tools for Creating Infographics on the Web
My favorite
limited – choose from template and can not insert own data, must use data from twitter or facebook
easy to use. Choose from 15 themes or a blank art board.

10. Visual.ly – choose one of the template infographics to customize – data from twitter or facebook – post it on visually – share on your facebook or twitter account

11. When you arrive at easel. ly you can sign up for a free account
When you arrive at easel.ly you can sign up for a free account. You will see a section for “my visuals” once you are logged in at the top and below that is the public visuals gallery of infographics created on easelly that have been made public. You have the option with each infographic you create to choose “public” or “private.”
There is a view/share link below each of your infographics or you can double-click your infographic to go to edit mode. To start a new infographic was a little confusing, you double-click on the one you have and that takes you into the editor. You can click clear to clear the canvas and then you start building again, you click save and name it something else, then both infographics are available in this window under my visuals the next you log in.

12. Copyright Be aware of copyright, when you are creating infographics
Cite your sources for data
Don’t just pull any image off of the web