Information Graphic Design
First of all, do you know what an infographic is? Do some investigation before potentially dismissing something very unique and fun. This is also a potential opportunity to double up on quest AND maybe even get Extra Credit from another teacher if you find an authentic client in the form of another teacher that might want an infographic of some kind.
Infographics take on many forms most commonly:
- Data Visuals
- Flow chart Graphics
- Timelines
- Versus Comparison Diagrams
- Maps
- Process Graphics
The options available to you abound. Where will you go?
This book is big and its awesome. Go look at our bookshelf to see what can be done when information is turned into art
Remember: Epic Design Quests require documentation of your entire design process. Be sure you are very familiar with the design process before beginning any Epic Quest.
Here is a great way to start off your journey into Information Design with a video from Lynda.com:
Pop Chart Lab’s Infographic Poster Design: Start to Finish
Infographics: A form of storytelling that people can use to visualize data in a way that illustrates knowledge, experiences, or events.
3rd Party Infographic Designs Gallery – high resolution version of all these are available on my server if you want to see them in for detail
[wp_lightbox_anchor_text_mp4_video link=”http://creativecrusade.com/wp-content/uploads/Movies/infographic_intro.mp4″ width=”864″ height=”540″ text=”Please Listen to a Message from the Captain”]
Check out several resources at the bottom of page
Project Requirements
Design Process: UNDERSTAND THE PROBLEM
1. Research Infographic usage and understanding
| DotDash | Slideshare | Designshack | Instantshift
- What is an infographic (also know as data visualization)? nine types of infographics
- Find one excellent design example of each kind of infographic.
- Who uses infographics?
- Why do professionals use infographics?
- What makes a good or bad infographic? be thorough
- Here are some websites with more great examples and suggestions:
- visual.ly
- others at bottom of page
Select an industry or topic to build the base for your infographic on
The focus of your infographic can be anything from social trends, current events, products, industries, or anything area or personal interest. 100 XP and 50 Gold Bonus awarded for designing an infographic that crosses over to curriculum for other classes for teacher use. Consider investigating the resources below for sources of data that you could use. Write two paragraphs discussing the purpose and goals of your chosen information to visualize.
resources for reliable data
Design Process: Research and Investigate
2. Research information topic thoroughly
- Authentic Data with cited reputable resources
- Complete research of understanding industries/cultures associated with topic
- Record more information that just the data you plan to use for your graphic
- Define Hierarchy of importance of data areas recorded.READ this Article in HEIRACHY!
- Get Content approved by Captain for design development
resources for reliable data
Design Process: Generate Possible Solutions
3. Brainstorm visual imagery representing elements of you topic
- Show your brainstorming as lists, found imagery, small sketches of elements (not infographic design)
4. Begin sketching thumbnail ideas for visual information delivery
- Sketch at least 4 different designs concepts.
- Designs must be ORIGINAL!
- Consider possible color schemes
- Try to keep concept or style related back to the information you are delivering
- Focus on delivery of info visually even though type will supplement graphic imagery
Design Process: Select Best Solution
5. Select the best solution
- notate why you have chosen it
- Finalize detailed sketch of best solution
- Focus on color schemes
- Carefully consider fonts to be used (don’t use busy display fonts)
- How will you create hierarchy of information
Design Process: Model and Prototype (Create)
6. Begin Digital production of your infographic design
- Use Photoshop or Illustrator
- minimum size of 13 x 19 and 150ppi
- RGB Color Mode
- Design and technique and refinement might require developing to skills
- Remember Craftmanship matters. It shows you care!
- Primary images and illustrations must be original and follow copyright laws
- Remember to take in-progress screenshots for you project page
Design Process: Test and Evaluate
7. Self-reflect on your design
- self- reflect and carefully evaluate your success or difficulties
- Is there the ability to take it further?
- Ask others for their opinions and document their and your thoughts.
- Refine or develop areas that offer improvement opportunity
Design Process: Produce
8. Turn in the final .JPG and Print
- Get final printed and mounted
- Finalize Project Page with full self-reflection
- successes
- struggles
- improvements
- what you learned
- Fill our gradesheet
RESOURCES
- 100 Infographic Tools and Resources
- 5 Infographics about infographics
- Create a winning infographics
- Infographic pinterest page
- Tips, tricks and resources
- Infographic oil spill project
- The do’s and don’ts of infographics
- 10 tips for designing infographics
COMPLETE: Complete your project page post by with scanneing images of ALL pages of your sketchbook and included them appropriately on the project page. Finally get your design printed and mounted then you may claim completion.
Great Work Design Agent.
Remember to claim your Cross-Curricular BONUS if you created a cross-curricular design for another teacher.
Go hang the finished piece on the Critique wall at the front of the classroom. Other’s need to see what you have accomplished.
- Matte or Mount for BONUS LOOT: Matte or Mount Bonus
BONUS Self Assessment Loot:
After completion of your project and project page documentation choose one of the appropriate self-assessments for yourself. Consider the skill, craftsmanship, originality, and composition of your final Product:
Over The Top Nailed It Good, But… At Least I Finished It