I find it interesting to check out how other organizations are integrating infographics and information design into their work. So when I ran across the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation using information design to communicate their findings for their Living Proof Project, I thought it was worth exploring in a little more detail to see if anything could be learned from looking at what they were doing.
The Living Proof Project uses flash interactive infographics (at least for their online infographics). Interactive infographics are great for posting on your website or integrating into a presentation. They engage the audience and can provide multiple layers of information without cluttering the graphic.
On the other hand, interactive infographics may not be the best fit for your project for a number of reasons–ranging from how you plan to use the infographic to it’s just not in the budget.
Whether you hope to create an interactive or static infographic, I believe you can always learn something from looking critically at the work of others (even if you know you will have to make modifications to fit your own design requirements).
Below are some ideas of how you might apply design strategies from the following examples to your own work.
United States’ 2010 Federal Budget For Global Health Spending
- Start with a key fact that puts your information into context of the world around it.
- Follow up that key fact with supporting facts for each issue you are trying to highlight.
The non-interactive graphic version: You can still apply this same concept. Just remember to start with your key fact at the top of the page and build out your key findings below.
Progress Against Polio- Integrate your timeline with a map. This is a great way to visually show progress over time.
- Keep the number of categories on your map relatively simple. Making it easy for the viewer to quickly interpret your key message.
The non-interactive graphic version: Create a series of maps that your audience could page through or show in a series on a single graphic.
The Benefits of Breastfeeding- Keep your message simple and to the point. Save the details for the full report.
- Try using photos that connect to your message, rather than data. Sometimes this can be just as or more effective than facts.
The non-interactive graphic version: Apply this concept to a four page layout or to a single graphic image divided into four quadrants.
In addition to the infographics used to communicate key findings, the Living Proof Project uses another information design strategy to report results—simple, but well designed progress report sheets.
Below I’ve highlighted some of the key components used in their progress reports as a potential template of sorts for what you may want to include in your own (understanding each project is different).
- Use one large image, rather than many images. Many times this provides a greater impact for your piece.
- Start your report with bold text to introduce the report’s key message.
- Be consistent with categories across various reports. The categories in these reports include: Overview, Progress, Advances, Results, Moving Forward.
- Choose one key graph, rather than cluttering the report with many.
- Use callouts to highlight a key definition and/or specific case study.
- Provide your sources.
- Keep your report to a manageable length (2-4 pages).
Edward Tufte has written seven books, including Beautiful Evidence, Visual Explanations, Envisioning Information, The Visual Display of Quantitative Information, and Data Analysis for Politics and Policy. He writes, designs, and self-publishes his books on analytical design, which have received more than 40 awards for content and design. He is Professor Emeritus at Yale University, where he taught courses in statistical evidence, information design, and interface design. His current work includes landscape sculpture, printmaking, video and a new book.”
