Design Files

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What are infographics? Infographics have been used throughout history. The first known examples of infographics are hieroglyphics or cave paintings in ancient Egypt 5,000 years ago. Leonardo da Vinci combined graphics with text. In other words, it is not new, but with Internet being global and the power of visual communication, infographics have taken off.
When I started reading about this topic, teaching primary grades all about sorting data by using pictographs came to mind. It was easier to show data by using simple images.

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Infographics are used for signs, maps and data presentations. Scientists, technical writers, mathematicians, educators and statisticians ease the process of developing, organizing, recording and communicating conceptual information by using infographics.

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Tips on creating amazing infographics

1. Don’t try to communicate too much.

Your infographic should have one idea that’s easy to focus on. For example, the goal with the infographic comparing nerds to geeks was to comment humorously on the difference between the two.

2. Focus content around one main graphic.

If necessary you can supplement your main graphic with smaller “satellite” graphics that communicate related points.

3. Tell them something they don’t already know.

There's not much value in illustrating a certain fact that’s already common knowledge. For example, you wouldn’t do an infographic explaining how popular Justin Bieber is among teen girls. Besides the humour poking fun at both the nerd and the geek, there were facts illustrated showing the differences.