The Anatomy Of An Infographic: How To Make & Master Your Message
Here at Embrace Disruption PR it is no secret that we love the infographic. Those creative representations of statistics not only present data in a way that is visually appealing, but they are also informative and extremely easy to read. But for all the infographics we post around here, we’ve never really posted about what makes a good infographic vs. one that just doesn’t make the cut. Read on for some helpful tips and pointers if you have ever wanted to create top-tier infographics. Thanks Fast Company for the inspiration & information for this post!
Data Collection
The original idea for an infographic often comes from a question someone poses or a pile of information they have collected. After the original source of information/data for a potential infographic is identified, it is time to start branching out to other sources. The idea is to create the complete picture and landscape of the given situation so that there are no holes in the data. If a hole exists in the data, it is only going to frustrate everyone and waste time when it has to be filled in the future.
Formulating the Outline
The purpose of an infographic is to convey a story to the people who come across it. A bunch of seemingly unconnected facts and figures aren’t going to appeal to someone in the way the statistics behind one particular, central topic are. For example, we posted an infographic a couple months ago about the Grammys winners if awards were given out based on online/social media presence; there was a lot of information but it was all on one topic. The worst thing that could happen is having all the boring data translate to a boring infographic.
Here’s a tip: make sure you know the information & data backwards and forwards by the time you go and create the infographic, this will make it easier to flush out a story.
Trouble Shoot
So you know what you want the infographic to say but is it feasible given the data you’ve collected? The last thing you want to do is mislead people looking at the finished product by intentionally leaving out data because it doesn’t support the story. What you do want to do is present the data picture in its entirety and let the viewers and readers interpret it. You want their response to be, “I know what they are trying to say, and this is what I’m gathering from this infographic.”
Finding the “Hero”
You have figured out the story you want to tell with your data and if it is feasible or not, now to figure out which specific piece of information to make your ‘hero’ piece of data. The ‘hero’ piece of data is that one statistic or figure that will get people excited about the story. It will be the focal point that the other chosen data will revolve around to help communicate the narrative to the audience.
Building the Graphic
After the hierarchy for the data is determined, the visual representation of the infographic begins to take shape. There are many popular formats for displaying data, including the traditional graphs and charts. If the data merits it, you can choose to display the data using diagrams, flowcharts or maps. The deciding factor of how the data should be displayed in the final project all depends on the data itself and the story to be conveyed. To make the most of the visual appeal of the infographic, be sure to consider the colours and typography used.
A Thorough Going Over
So the design of the infographic is complete and all the data is displayed, you’re done right? Wait, slow down a little, there is one more step before your informative masterpiece can be unleashed to the masses: editing & revisions. Just like any good report, press release or company project, an infographic needs to be pored over by those who created it, and those who didn’t! The infographic should be made to fit in with any existing branding or identity; why would a company create an infographic that goes against part/all of their core message? Additionally, you want to ensure the data is presented in a way that is easy to read and understand for those that are unfamiliar with it. That is why you want those outside the creative circle who developed it to look it over.
Release the Beast
Finally, the time has come to unleash your infographic onto the public at large! Most infographics are released and shared online in some fashion, they may end up in a print publication as well. The advantage to this is that the audience of your work will be much larger and reach those both within your target audience and beyond. It is also easier to garner and compile feedback to the infographic in an online setting, often in a much timelier manner than print. Feedback after publishing can generate discussion & illuminate a different dimension to the data presented.
But once the infographic is published, don’t forget about it. You spent all this time and effort to create it in the first place, why let that go to waste if new data is released? Make sure you keep tabs on the important information and sources to update and revise the infographic as required. It’s easier to update than to create a whole to project!
So there you have it, a detailed, step-by-step guide to creating effective, appealing infographics to engage your audience. Now get busy creating!
INFOGRAPHIC: How Brand Logos Evolve
A bit of visual fun for your Tuesday, we’ve found an INFOGRAPHIC that outlines how some of the top North American brand’s logos have evolved over the years.
But before we show you that, we thought we’d give you a look at how our very own EDPR logo transformed during the creative stages. Check out the various versions below:
And now, the INFOGRAPHIC you’ve been waiting for (Source):
Medicine Of The Future: A Prosthetic Arm Controlled By iOS App
Over the years, medicine has come so far that sometimes we wonder if all those fancy scanners and simple shots from the world of Star Trek are not that far off. News released over the weekend is just another example of how the world of technology is helping victims/patients have even better quality of life.
A U.S. bionics firm, Touch Bionics has announced that they have developed the first upper prosthetic limb controlled by an iOS application. The aptly named ‘i-limb Ultra Revolution’ has 24 different grip options, device training and problem diagnoses that can all be controlled by your smart phone.
Aside from these features, movement of the i-limb ultra revolution is controlled by a body’s electric signals sent from the arm’s nerves when the muscles are contracted. The arm also features a rotating thumb and individually powered fingers along with a fully moving wrist. With so many advancements in technology associated with the prosthetic, anyone wishing to use the arm will have to undergo extensive training but it sounds like it is definitely worth it. CEO of Touch Bionics, Ian Stevens, has said the arm offers, “unparalleled dexterity and control, enabling wearers to more easily perform activities of daily living and this increase their quality of life.”
Losing a limb, no matter the reason, has to be tough on a person but with research and advancements like this one, we are getting closer to recreating the human experience. Check out the video below of the i-limb in action!
Film Friday: Find Your Stolen Computer With Dropbox
A lesser known, but really useful tip! Losing a computer (particularly if you don’t back up) can be an extremely traumatizing event. Check out this video to make sure you’ve got yourself covered should someone help themselves to your fine piece of machinery!
Weekly Disruptor: Brock McLaughlin, Brand Partnership Builder, Embrace Presents
Each week at Embrace Disruption we introduce you to an influential person in the digital, blogger, arts, culture, film, or media world! Every Thursday, you can check back at EDPR to find out who we think is particularly amazing at ‘embracing disruption’ within their respective industries. This week, we’d like to introduce you to Embrace Presents’ Brand Partnership Builder & BestFan TV Host, Brock McLaughlin!
“I would rather be ashes than dust; I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry-rot; I would rather be in a superb meteor, every atom of me in a magnificent glow than in a sleepy and permanent planet; the proper function of man is to live, not to exist; I should not waste my days in trying to prolong them; I shall USE my time.” – Jack London
What’s your official job title, and where did you go to school?
Unofficially, my job title should be “Man About Town” but my business cards read a little differently. I work at Embrace in Brand Partnerships securing sponsors for festivals such as NXNE, Halifax Pop Explosion, and the Toronto Urban Roots Festival. I also host BestFan TV where I chat with current pop superstars and manage bands around North America. I didn’t go to school and instead surrounded myself with an amazingly talented team and a great set of mentors.
Elevator pitch. Describe yourself in a nutshell (or sea shell, or any shell for that matter).
I’m Brock McLaughlin and I’m a dynamic self starter. I turn my dreams into reality regardless if there are thousands of others doing the same thing. I’d never give up on my dreams as long as I give it my all. I know I will successfully best everyone else.
Why did you pursue what you’re doing now? What was the inspiration?
I pursued my many ventures because the work I do doesn’t feel like work, I love what I do. I believe that true living ever exists when one follows their dreams and dedicates their life to it. The support of the people around me (including my mom) really have helped me along the way. I’ve heard I’m a pompous asshole, but when you call me and my team in we get the work done.
What is the best part of your day-to-day?
My day to day is always different, and I never know what tomorrow will bring. I thoroughly enjoy that. I tell myself everyday I need to stay ahead and stay active and always finish first. As Mack Douglas suggests, “dedicate your life to a cause greater than yourself, and your life will become a glorious romance and adventure.”
What’s the most challenging?
The most challenging thing I face is that my hunger for success will never be satisfied. I am really hard on myself and am not happy till my mother tells me she’s proud. No one else matters at the end of the day.
If you took a look in the cliché crystal ball, what do you see for yourself?
I learned young that no one is going hand you the future so you gotta walk tall and work hard. Hopefully that cliched crystal ball shows great success, a fancy lifestyle and a loving supporting family.
How do you embrace disruption in your work and personal life?
I embrace disruption by being brutally honest and straight to the point. Having a good team around me at all times also helps, they keep me in line and organized. I also have a wonderful mother who is always there to listen and help when times get tough.
What is the most memorable moment in your career?
Moving to Toronto was a major goal and here I am three years later. I’ve had a lot of ups and downs here but I know its worth it. I’m going keeping keep grinding it out, I have plenty more goals and achievements I want to achieve.
Do you support any initiatives or charities?
I have worked in the past with the Covenant House and with DSAT and am currently planning some new initiatives for the fall.
Tell us what you see yourself doing at 65 years old.
I’m hoping I live in in a Beverly Hills mansion with a country club membership and am still actively working. What that work entails I’m not sure, as long as it makes an impact and people are tuned in I’ll be happy.
Just for fun: if you had to pick one app in the whole APPVERSE, what would it be?
Simpsons Tapped Out, anyone who knows me sees me actively on that thing. I have no where to go in the game, I’m completely maxed out yet I still find myself playing all the time. Its a serious addiction…
INFOGRAPHIC: How Organizations Are Structuring Their Social Media Teams
Here at EDPR, we love social media. We also love INFOGRAPHICS. Up next? Our two loves meet.
The following INFOGRAPHIC from Go-Gulf.com shows how companies structure their social media teams & what they are using their social media for. Here are some of the more startling facts we uncovered:
- The majority of companies are simply piling social media responsibilities on top of their workers regular duties, with teams of >3 people in charge of social media.
- Only 5% of companies are ‘highly satisfied’ with the social media for their company, yet about 3/4 of them are NOT planning on hiring dedicated social media people
- Most companies are using social media to garner brand awareness so they use the # of likes/followers/subscribers/etc to measure how well they are doing, rather than looking at engagement.
Client News: Starlight Children’s Foundation Raises $500,000 at 18th Annual Gala
TORONTO, ON (April 9, 2013) – On the evening of April 6, 2013 over 700 charitable attendees devoured cotton candy, fresh popcorn and decadent chocolate amongst fire-eaters, stilt walkers, strong men and a bearded lady at the Fairmont Royal York in support of the 18th Annual Starlight Children’s Foundation Gala.
Celebrity supporters including Dragon’s Den’s Arlene Dickinson, ET Canada’s Rick Campanelli, MTV’s Matt Barker, Fashion Model Stacey McKenzie, The Listener’s Ennis Esmer and Rainbow Sun Francks, Love It Or List It’s Hilary Farr, App Central’s Amber MacArthur, Proud FM’s Mike Chalut and The Next Star’s Mark Spicoluk among others joined host CTV weather anchor, Anwar Knight for an evening of magic, wonder and excitement.
“This year will mark our most successful gala to date. We’re absolutely thrilled with the amount of support and generosity from all attendees, volunteers, and celebrity talent. The money raised helps us to deliver our in-hospital and out-of-hospital programs and brighten the lives of seriously ill children and families.” said Starlight President, Christopher Barry.
Ticket-holders were granted access to a variety of priceless auction items including a sleepover at Toys“R”Us (the Gala’s presenting sponsor), a walk-on role and set visit to CBC’s Murdoch Mysteries and a private screening for 300 people to DreamWorks Animation’s upcoming film, Turbo 3D.
The $500,000 was raised through the evening’s live and silent auctions, games room and Starlight bear sales and, through Starlight Canada’s programs, gives seriously ill children the opportunity to laugh, play and just be kids again.
About The Starlight Children’s Foundation:
Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada is a charitable organization that brings smiles, laughter and joy back into the lives of children with serious illness through in-hospital distractive entertainment and out-of-hospital fun family events.
Website: http://www.starlightcanada.org
Twitter: @StarlightCanada
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/StarlightCanada
About Toys“R”Us, Canada:
Toys“R”Us (Canada) Ltd., is part of Toys“R”Us, Inc., the world’s leading dedicated toy and juvenile products retailer. Toys“R”Us, Canada operates 74 stores across the country. For store locations and convenient online shopping visit www.toysrus.ca orhttp://www.babiesrus.ca
For interview requests or more photos please contact:
Cory Stewart
Embrace Disruption PR
647.638.1586
cory@embracedisruption.com
All photos courtesy of George Pimentel Photography:
CTV’s Amber Mac:
CBC’s Arlene Dickinson:
ProudFM’s Mike Chalut:
ET Canada’s Rick Campanelli and wife Angie:
1 Girl, 5 Gays’ Matt Barker:
The Next Star’s Mark Spicoluk:
Degrassi’s Taysha Fuller:
Love It Or List It’s Hilary Farr:
Fashion Icon & Model Stacey McKenzie:
Celebrity Designer Glen Peloso, NewsTalk 1010′s Pay Chen, and KiSS 92.5′s Taylor Kaye:
Film Friday: Roger Ebert, His Life As A Film Critic
With the passing of Roger Ebert this week, the film industry lost one of its most influential and trusted voices.
Watch Ebert’s appearance on Allen Gregg (circa 1997) above to hear what he has to say about how the role of a film critic has changed over the years.
Weekly Disruptor: Bill Coleman of Coleman Lemieux Compagnie
Each week at Embrace Disruption we introduce you to an influential person in the digital, blogger, arts, culture, film, or media world! Every Thursday, you can check back at EDPR to find out who we think is particularly amazing at ‘embracing disruption’ within their respective industries. This week, we’d like to introduce you to the Co-artistic Director of Coleman Lemieux Compagnie: seasoned dancer, Bill Coleman!
What’s your official job title, and where did you go to school?
Co artistic director of Coleman Lemieux & Compagnie; Grove Secondary School, Hastings, England.
Elevator pitch. Describe yourself in a nutshell (or sea shell, or any shell for that matter).
Rogue choreographer with a penchant for creating dances with people from all walks of life.
Why did you pursue what you’re doing now? What was the inspiration?
I love dance and dancing, and I wanted to see and experience more of the world…so I started to use my life in dance as a way to do this.
What is the best part of your day-to-day?
Going in the studio and moving.
What’s the most challenging?
Not going in the studio and moving….
If you took a look in the cliché crystal ball, what do you see for yourself?
A passport filled with entry stamps and visas from working all over the world.
How do you embrace disruption in your work and personal life?
If we accept we are striving for perfection, we must accept that we are incomplete and in a constant process of attaining this, therefore we must live happily and embrace disruption as an essential part of the process of ‘getting there’.
What is the most memorable moment in your career?
Premiering a tribute to my father, a Requiem for sailors in WWII (Convoy PQ 17) with symphony orchestra, chorus, and hundreds of veterans in attendance in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Do you support any initiatives or charities? Tell us about it, and please provide links!
Amnesty International
Dance Collection Danse, an organization of friendly people who collect dance memories
Sunday Contact Improvisation Jam at Dovercourt House, Contact Improvisation is a very human activity that is accessible to everyone with a pair of sweatpants
Tell us what you see yourself doing at 65 years old.
Same as I am now, but dancing more, traveling more and having more fun.
Just for fun: if you had to pick one app in the whole APPVERSE, what would it be?
Ummm, my favorite mobile technology is BIXI Bikes. It connects me with my friends and family.
Client News: Canadian Lesbian And Gay Archives Celebrates 40th Anniversary With New Inductees To National Portrait Collection
TORONTO, ON (April 3, 2013) – On May 3, 2013, The Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives (CLGA) will celebrate their 40th anniversary by welcoming Richard Hudler and Rupert Raj into the organization’s National Portrait Collection for significant individual contributions to the LGBTQ+ community.
Hosted by ProudFM’s Pearse Murray, this event will provide context for the inductees’ contributions through personal letters, newspaper reports, and newly recovered manuscripts. Through artistic installations in the CLGA gallery, attendees will be provided the opportunity to explore the trailblazing work of Hudler and Raj.
Robert Windrum, President of the CLGA said, “We’re thrilled to be celebrating our 40th year of keeping LGBTQ+ stories alive. The National Portrait Collection will provide an excellent opportunity to look back on significant moments that have helped define our important and growing histories.”
The National Portrait Collection was established in 1998 with 25 original portraits and coincided with the CLGA’s 25th anniversary. Past inductees include singer k.d. lang, LGBTQ+ activist George Hislop, Canadian Armed Forces activist Michelle Douglas, and many others.
The inductee ceremony and exhibit opens on May 3, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. with a wine and cheese reception. The Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives is located at 34 Isabella Street in Toronto.
About Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives:
Established in 1973, The Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives aids in the recovery and preservation of LGBT histories. Its mission: to acquire, preserve, organize, and give public access to information and materials in any medium, by and about LGBT people, primarily produced in or concerning Canada. To support this function, the Archives also maintain significant non-archival collections, which include a research library, international subject files, and an international collection of queer periodicals. It is the CLGA’s mandate to make this information available to the public for education and research. Over the years, the CLGA has helped hundreds of people – students, artists, journalists, lawyers, filmmakers complete numerous projects inside and outside of the LGBT community.
Website: http://www.clga.ca
Tumblr: everyday queer archive
Twitter: @CLGArchives
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CLGArchives
About Richard Hudler:
Born in 1942, Richard Hudler is a social worker and an activist who has been working tirelessly to advocate for gay and lesbian rights since immigrating to Canada in 1971.
In 1980 Hudler joined the board of HALO, and starting in 1981, became the long serving board president. He represented HALO through the Project Guardian scandal with the local police, and in 1995 Hudler filed an official complaint with the Ontario Human Rights Commission against London Mayor Diane Haskett when she refused to issue a Gay Pride Proclamation.
Hudler continues his activism through Queer Ontario, a provincial network of individuals — and their allies committed to questioning, challenging, and reforming the laws, institutional practices, and social norms that regulate queer people.
About Rupert Raj:
Born in 1952, Rupert Raj is a Eurasian counsellor/psychotherapist, clinical researcher, educator, lecturer, writer, editor, activist and Gender Specialist. He is a trailblazing activist who has been paving the way to improve life chances for trans people across Canada and around the world since 1971, the year before his own transition.
During the ‘70s and ‘80s, Mr. Raj established and operated three transsexual organizations: Foundation for the Advancement of Canadian Transsexuals (FACT), Metamorphosis Medical Research Foundation (MMRF), and GenderWorker. Concurrently, he also edited and published three TS periodicals: Gender Review,
Metamorphosis Newsletter/Metamorphosis Magazine and GenderNetworker.
In 1999, Rupert co-founded a peer-support group for transmen and female-to-males (part of the Meal-Trans Program at the 519 Community Centre), as well as a support group for transpeople who use or have used alcohol and/or drugs.
Currently Mr. Raj works at the Sherbourne Health Centre as an LGBT Mental Health Counsellor and maintains his own private practice, RR CONSULTING.
For Media Inquiries and Photos Contact:
Cory Stewart
Embrace Disruption PR
647.638.1586
cory@embracedisruption.com
