Infographics are an increasingly popular way to convey information visually. An effective infographic can quickly communicate key data, simplify complex ideas, tell a story, or convince readers to change their opinions.
This comprehensive guide will walk through the entire process of creating high-quality and compelling infographics, from determining your goals to finalizing your design. Whether you want to boost content marketing results, showcase research, explain how something works, or raise awareness about an issue, this tutorial will set you up for infographic success.
Types of Infographics and When to Use Them
There are a variety of infographic formats to match different goals, data sets and narratives. Choosing the right visual style for your content is key. Here are some of the most common infographic types and their best uses:
Statistical Infographics
Statistical infographics focus primarily on numeric data and facts presented through graphs, charts, and visualizations. They are best for showcasing research, trends, survey results, growth metrics, and other quantitative information. The visuals allow audiences to quickly grasp insights that would be tedious to read as text alone.
An example of an effective statistical infographic visualizing internet usage data. Simple yet bold graphics allow readers to quickly interpret the key points.
Timeline Infographics
Timeline infographics visualize chronological order and historical progression. Key events are marked along a timeline with complementary information, icons, images or charts included for context. Use timelines to showcase company history, product evolution, industry changes over time, personal histories, etc.
This creative timeline uses illustrated icons to highlight major events in the history of social media platforms.
Process Infographics
Process or flowchart infographics outline procedural steps or system workflows visually. They are extremely useful for explaining how something works, detailing how a product is made, highlighting decision trees, or giving step-by-step instructions. Charts, diagrams, and numbered lists simplify complex processes.
A clean step-by-step process infographic example. Notice how color coding and simple flat illustrations enhance comprehension.
Geographic Infographics
Map-based infographics can reveal location-specific insights, regional comparisons, distribution patterns and density hot spots through clever cartography. Common elements include heat maps, icons, labels, points of interest, boundaries and infographics overlaid on maps. They add context and enable data analysis based on geography.
This geographic infographic visualizes global internet penetration rates using color coding and percentages on a world map.
Comparison Infographics
Comparison infographics highlight the differences and similarities between two or more subjects, concepts, products, brands, statistics, ideas or people. Using complimentary visuals for each item makes contrasts and parallels more obvious at a glance.
A simple but effective comparison infographic between cats and dogs. Notice the concise text and careful alignment of graphics.
List-Based Infographics
List infographics organize information into easy-to-scan top tens, checklists, pros/cons, questions/answers or steps formatted visually. Bold fonts, custom icons, and complementary graphics enhance skimmability for the modern reader. They excel at simplifying and highlighting key takeaways.
Creative visual treatment of text makes these security tips in a list format pops for the reader.
Key Elements of High-Quality Infographics
The most effective infographics have the following elements in common:
Clear and Focused Message
What story are you telling or which insights do you want viewers to quickly grasp? Determine the key point up front to inform the rest of the infographic design decisions.
Appropriate Balance of Text, Images and White Space
Finding the right mixture of written explanation, vibrant graphics and negative space is essential so information pops without overwhelming readers.
Logical Flow and Organization
Information should progress in an intuitive order that makes inherent sense to first-time viewers. Strong visual hierarchy and clear groupings are key.
Accurate and Credible Data/Statistics
Well-researched numbers and facts build credibility. Always double check sources and ensure proper context is provided so data is interpreted correctly.
Visual Appeal and Consistency
A clean, polished aesthetic enhances professionalism while consistent design choices tie disparate infographic elements together into a cohesive presentation.
Simple and Easy to Understand
The whole point of infographics is turning complexity into easily digestible content for the viewer. Prioritize clarity through smart simplification and emphasis of key data.
With these fundamentals covered, let’s get into the nuts and bolts of actually making an infographic using the step-by-step process outlined below.
Step-by-Step Infographic Creation Process
Follow these steps for infographic success:
Step 1: Determine Goals and Target Audience
Get clear on what you want to accomplish and who your infographic is meant for.
Key questions to ask:
- What is the key message or story?
- What information needs to be conveyed?
- What data and statistics are most compelling?
- What misconceptions need to be clarified?
- What visual format suits the topic best?
- Who is the target reader? What visual style and complexity level is appropriate?
Answering these strategic questions first provides direction for all subsequent infographic design choices.
Step 2: Conduct Research and Gather Relevant Data
Brainstorm and research statistics, facts, quotes, polls and academic sources that back up your central message. Organize findings into a master content document for the next production phase.
Helpful research tips:
- Comb through reputable publications and datasets for statistics
- Check if original surveys have been conducted around your topic
- Lookup relevant case studies and expert opinions to quote
- Find captivating images, illustrations or historical visuals
- Compile findings into spreadsheet for analysis
Step 3: Outline Key Information Architecture
Map out how data and facts will flow in the infographic before visual design. Determine most effective sequence to tell the story and highlight the strongest evidence first to grab attention fast.
Useful outlining tips:
- List all key points first
- Number in order of priority
- Group related ideas into sections or clusters for clarity
- Note relevant supporting data under each point
- Indicate ideal infographic type for each data cluster
Step 4: Choose Infographic Type Based on Message and Data
With research completed and content mapped out, decide which infographic format aligns with goals, audience and available information:
- Statistical
- Timeline
- Process
- Geographic
- Comparison
- List-based
Consider creative combinations like statistical process hybrids if helpful.
Step 5: Sketch Initial Infographic Design and Wireframe
Mock up rough pencil sketches showing basic visual flow and info hierarchy before going digital. Test different layouts for most logical information progression. Refining early on paper saves revision time later.
Helpful wireframing tips:
- Use simple boxes and lines to indicate text, graphics etc
- Play with different arrangements and groupings
- Pencil in structure only first then add detail later if needed
- Jot notes for graphic ideas as they arise
- Explore both vertical and horizontal orientations
Step 6: Select Color Scheme, Fonts and Graphic Style
These visual design choices set the overall aesthetic tone and mood that enhances the infographic’s message.
Key considerations around color, typography and graphics:
Color
- Limit palette for cohesion
- Consider message’s emotional tone
- Ensure text/background combos are readable
- Use sparingly for maximum impact
Typography
- Maximum 2-3 fonts
- Pair decorative font with simple sans serif
- Use size, color, case for contrast
Graphics
- Illustrations vs icons vs photography
- Ensure consistent art style
- Balance novelty with clarity
Step 7: Incorporate Text, Data Visualizations, Icons and Images Based on Wireframe
Flesh out sketched wireframe by adding real content. Turn penciled boxes into graphs and charts that best showcase data to support key points. Integrate custom graphics for visual interest sparingly.
Tips for sharp execution:
- Check statistics are clearly visualized
- Use minimal text and only key numbers
- Icons should enhance not distract
- Images should relate directly to adjacent text
- Leave ample negative space for visual rest
Step 8: Check Accuracy, Clarity and Logical Flow
Proofread thoroughly to confirm:
- All data is factually correct
- Charts properly illustrate numbers
- Content order makes coherent sense
- Images match statements
- Nothing easily misinterpreted
Refine anything visually confusing on first read.
Step 9: Finalize Design Details and Assets
Last polish for slick, professional aesthetics:
- Adjust colors/fonts if needed
- Tweak text for perfect balance
- Confirm all graphics are crisp and legible at full size
- Replace any awkward visuals
- Add source credits
Export vector version without compression effects for best reproduction.
Infographic Design and Creation Tools
Many software options exist for bringing your infographic vision to reality. Check out pros and cons of top programs:
Canva
Pros: Very user-friendly, great templates, drag and drop simplicity, affordable, good for beginners
Cons: Less advanced features, limited graphic design control
Piktochart
Pros: Intuitive editor, diverse templates, easily make charts/graphs, animate infographics options, collaborator friendly
Cons: More expensive plans but offers free trial
Venngage
Pros: Tons of infographic templates, fonts and icons, simple editor, data visualization tools built-in, affordable, good for beginners
Cons: Can seem restrictive for advanced users
Adobe Illustrator
Pros: Total creative control, industry standard design software, advanced graphic capabilities
Cons: Steep learning curve, more costly, not beginner friendly
Excel or Other Data Visualization Apps
Pros: Extract key data points, generate basic charts/graphs to input into other programs
Cons: Very limited standalone infographic creation capabilities
Play to your strengths. Simple drag and drop editors enable fast content creation but advanced software unlocks greater visual sophistication for refined design needs.
Tips for Creating Compelling Infographics
Follow these best practices for maximum engagement and sharing:
Focus on key data and concepts only. Attention spans are short online – streamline to core message.
Prioritize visual appeal and aesthetics. First impressions matter. Good design enhances comprehension speed.
Maintain clean organization and logical flow of data. Group related ideas thoughtfully. Sequence content intuitively.
Check accuracy of statistics/facts diligently. Credibility depends on precision sourcing. Always verify numbers.
Include engaging, relevant images/graphics. Balanced incorporation of thoughtfully chosen visuals increases interest while improving understanding.
Use color strategically to direct attention. Color contrasts make key points standout intelligently.
Leave ample negative space. Crowded infographics cause cognitive overload. Be judicious with visual density to avoid tiring viewers.
The Benefits of Infographics for Content Marketing
When used skillfully as part of an integrated content strategy, infographics offer many advantages:
Improved Audience Engagement
Visual learners better retain information in colorful infographic format versus dense text. Formats like stats, checklists and processes have natural stopping points to prevent losing reader attention span.
Increased Social Media Shares and Virality
Concise, eye-catching infographics tend to spread rapidly across digital platforms which expands content reach further.
Enhanced Brand Awareness
Custom graphics, data visualizations, logos and color palettes organically showcase brand identity. Linking to your website for more info converts new readers into potential customers.
Complex Data and Ideas Simplified
Charts, maps, diagrams, icons, illustrations and timelines efficiently communicate intricacies that text struggles to get across clearly on its own.
Give your next blog post, report or presentation a visibility boost with an expertly crafted infographic purpose-built to highlight your vital message and wow your audience.
Conclusion
I hope this comprehensive infographic tutorial spelled out everything you need to know to create elegant, engaging and effective data visualizations optimized for clarity.
The key lessons to remember are:
- Match infographic type to goals
- Research thoroughly
- Outline content carefully
- Design with reader comprehension in mind first
- Proofread closely before finalizing
What insights would you like to shine a spotlight on through infographics? Determining your key message and audience is the critical first step, and the rest naturally falls into place.
Now that you’re armed with insider techniques on excelling at each phase of ideation, design and production, your custom infographics are guaranteed to impress!
