Information Design: Reconstructing Bad Infographics
Evaleez Voo Lian Yun / 0350275
Information Design/ Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media
Reconstructing Bad Infographics
Lecture
Week 1
Introduction to Information Visualization
- We live in a visual informtaion culture
- Map-making and visual depiction > thematic cartography > statistics and statistical graphics > applications and innovations in different fields
- Visual information is responsible with the rise of statistical thinking and widespread data collection for planning and commerce
- The ultimate goal:
- Reveal the intricacy of the world in uncomplicated terms that are simple to comprehend.
- Add knowledge to the information it displays through spatial, quantitative and chronological relationships.
Visual Research
Bad Infographics (By: rockcontent)
Note: Links to websites/ photos will be placed under "References".
1. Text Overload
- Too much text
- Text should be there to support the visuals, not the other way around
- Example:
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| Fig 1.0 Text Overload (12/01/21) Souce: Piktochart |
2. Inaccurate Charts
- Charts that don't show data accurately
- Charts are used to show trends, relationship between variables, status reports etc.
- Make sure that charts are heavily proofread before publishing.
3. Incoherent Narrative
- Using a series of disconnected statistics or random facts will not be compelling or coherant.
- Story should have a beginning, middle and end, with a smooth flow.
- Dont't:
- Add as many icons and stock photos as possible
- Create charts that require effort to digest
4. Irreelevence to Your Audience
- Your infographic doesn't have to be interesting to everyone in the world, but it has to capture the attention of your target group.
- Don't forget to make it informative too!
5. Generic Appearance
- Infographics that are too generic can get it completely ignored.
- Good infographics have great layouts, well considered colours and a visual style that is unique and beautiful.
6. Poor Sourcing
- The usage of inaccurate information.
- An infographic can only be trusted as much as it's least trustworthy source.
- Will affect your brand's integrity
Idea Exploration
To start off this exercise, I went online to find bad inforgraphics that need help reconstructing. After a few clicks, I found a recipe card on Honey Nut Yoghurt.
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| Fig 1.1 Honey Nut Yoghurt Source: eatwellbewell.org |
Why is This a Bad Infographic?
1. Incoherent Narrative
Even though this recipe was probably aimed for parents to make food for their children, a picture of a child doing a hand stand is not appropiate, especially since it is a process infographic. Besides that, the bright pink colour is very hard on the eyes, particularly with the bright orange background. For example, you might just miss out the "makes 4 servings" part of the recipe. The measurements used are also not adding up correctly.
2. Text Overload
The nutrition information written on the bottom part could have been visualizeed better instead of just typing it out.
3. Generic Appearace
This infographic relied too much on the boy to bring attention onto it. Overall, it gives the impression of "sticker placed on food for fun" instead of actaually aiming at teaching people the Honey Nut Yoghurt recipe.
Process
For this exercise, I decided to use Canva as the main tool to redesign my infographic.
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| Fig 1.2 Template Searching (12/01/21) |
Since the task requirements did not state any sizing limits, I decided to go for a poster template with "recipes" as my main search option. After some browsing, I decided to use this fruit smoothie template because of it's minimalistic approach and its appealing colours.
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| Fig 1.3 Adding Information (12/01/21) |
Next, I started inputing the information from the original infographic onto the template. I changed the background to a pastel yellow colour because it suits the earthy tones of "Honey Nut". In relation to this, I used a blue tone on the bowl to contrast the yellow background.
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| Fig 1.4 More Details (12/01/21) |
Lastly, I added information on the nutrition composition of the recipe. Since the background was a bit bland with just a solid colour, I decided to add honey combs to lighten up the mood. Besides that, I reduced its opacity to allow for a more readable infographic.
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| Fig 1.5 Final Edits (12/01/21) |
After some thinking, I decided to increase the opacity by a bit because the honeycombs blended too much with the background.
Final Outcome
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| Fig 1.6 Final Outcome (12/01/21) |
PDF:
Since this recipe is easy to make that it could be done by kids (except for the toasting part because that requires a stove), a minimalistic approach with cute/ subdued colour schemes suits it. Besides that, parents who are busy with work, etc will be able to understand the information easily if the children do ask them for help.
Reflection
This exercise was useful because I was able to use an online design tool to create a poster and try out the ready made templates. Innovation and creativity is important here because I had to further develop these templates to suit the information I have. Overall, Canva Premium is elite and everyone should get it :).
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