10 Steps to Creating an Infographic

Stephanie Baird Wilkerson is President of Magnolia Consulting, a woman-owned small business and B-Corporation specializing in research and evaluation since 2002. With the aim of “cultivating learning and positive change” through her work at Magnolia, Stephanie takes a use-focused, results-oriented approach to her studies, trainings, and consultation services. She champions infographics as a powerful vehicle for translating data into evidence-based information people can use. As an evaluator, not a graphic designer, she developed the 10 Steps to Creating an Infographic and the Checklist for Reviewing Infographics as practical tools for communicating study findings in a visually impactful way. Stephanie has conducted numerous trainings on the 10-step development process for international audiences in nonprofit organizations, professional membership organizations, and federal agencies within the U.S. and Canada. Building on her doctorate from the University of Virginia in Research, Evaluation, and Statistics, she has applied her expertise in program evaluation and qualitative and quantitative methodologies to a broad range of studies at national, state, and local levels. For over two decades Stephanie has directed randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental evaluations, and nonexperimental studies funded by the U.S. Department of Education, the Department of Justice, the Department of Labor, the National Science Foundation, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, top education publishers, and nonprofit organizations. Her nationally-recognized studies have given her a deep understanding of clients’ information needs, the challenges inherent in working with data, and how to translate study findings into useful information that guides decision making and catalyzes action. Her extensive experience in applied research and evaluation motivates her use of infographics to communicate powerful messages that audiences will remember.

• Part 1: Crafting a Powerful MessageChapter 1 - Step 1: Identify Your Audience (“the Who”)Understanding the “Who” of an InfographicDetermining the Audience for an InfographicIdentifying the Information Needs and Interests of the AudienceAddressing Multiple AudiencesGet to Know Your AudienceConsider How the Audience Will Access the InfographicNow It’s Your Turn!ResourcesChapter 2 - Step 2: Clarify the Purpose (“the Why”)Determining the “Why” of an InfographicAn Infographic’s Purpose When Part of a StudyClarifying Purpose MattersNow It’s Your Turn!ResourcesChapter 3 - Step 3: Create the Story (“the What”)Creating the “What” of an InfographicCrafting a Catchy TitleSetting the Scene With Your IntroductionDeveloping a Compelling Central MessageConcluding With PurposeCiting SourcesNow It’s Your Turn!ResourcesPart 2: Designing a Visual StoryChapter 4 - Step 4: Identify Visuals and DataIdentifying Data for Your InfographicIdentifying Visuals That Show Your Infographic’s StoryUsing Culturally Sensitive VisualsDetermining Licensing Requirements for VisualsNow It’s Your Turn!ResourcesChapter 5 - Step 5: Select a LayoutLayout and Audience InterfaceLayouts for Different Levels of Audience InteractionLayouts for Different StoriesCreating Balance in the LayoutNow It’s Your Turn!ResourcesNoteChapter 6 - Step 6: Choose Design ElementsUsing Color IntentionallySelecting Harmonious FontsCreating FlowDetermining the Focal PointNow It’s Your Turn!ResourcesNoteChapter 7 - Step 7: Sketch Your IdeasNow It’s Your Turn!ResourcesPart 3: Bringing the Infographic to LifeChapter 8 - Step 8: Draft the InfographicSelecting a Design PlatformBuilding Essentials: Developing and Formatting VisualsBuilding Essentials: Creating the FoundationBuilding Essentials: Bringing in Visuals and TextMaking Your Infographic 508 CompliantNow It’s Your Turn!ResourcesChapter 9 - Step 9: Review the InfographicChecklist for Reviewing InfographicsIn-Depth Versus Quick-Glance ReviewsSelecting ReviewersNow It’s Your Turn!ResourcesChapter 10 - Step 10: Revise, Finalize, and ShareRevising an InfographicEditing and Finalizing an InfographicSharing an InfographicNow It’s Your TurnResources

A must have guide to understanding and applying infographics to research and evaluation findings.