Infographic Project
Infographics are visual representations of information (data, subject knowledge, instructions, etc.) intended to communicate it quickly and clearly. The use of graphic principles and visual elements makes infographics more appealing than plain text, helping students visually organize information and reveal patterns and trends.
In this project, students will synthesize their knowledge into concise writing and arrange it in an infographic poster (or a series of small infographics, e.g., social media posts) with imagery (illustrations, drawings, pictures, etc.) that enhances understanding and supports the content. Instructors may choose to specify a format depending on the assignment topic and learning outcomes.
Why choose infographics?
Literacies:
- Synthesis of Information: Condensing information into a concise format encourages students to analyze, evaluate, and prioritize key concepts, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
- Information Literacy: Students must locate and evaluate reliable sources, critically assess the credibility and relevance of data, and determine how to represent it accurately, enabling more discerning consumers and producers of information.
- Communication Skills: Clear and concise messaging requires students to carefully select and organize information, considering the target audience and appropriate visuals, developing effective communication skills.
- Visual Representation: Creating visual elements, such as charts and images, to represent data and concepts engages students in visual thinking; enhancing comprehension and retention.
- Creative Expression: Students can experiment with colors, fonts, layout, and design, while critically thinking about how to best represent information, leading to a deeper understanding of the content.
Formats:
- Sequential: Linear formats (timeline, numbered steps, etc.) ideal for recounting historical events, illustrating natural processes, or giving instructions.
- Informational: Listicle formats suitable for explaining systems, breaking down large topics, or focusing on statistical data.
- Compare & Contrast: Table-like formats useful in conveying analysis of multiple subjects or perspectives.
Examples and Use Cases
Project Process
1. Introduction
The instructor clarifies expectations, both in terms of content and format. Does it have to be a specific type of infographic, or is it open to student choice? Do students need to use a particular software or deliver it as a PDF, JPG, or PNG? Are there any mandatory visual parameters or elements? To help students understand the expectations, the instructor can provide examples—their own creations, previous student work, and/or samples from the internet.
The instructor may ask students to document their process (e.g., screen recording the infographic creation, saving sketches, and capturing research footage). Students can then use these as resources for infographic creation, project reflection, and even sharing their process.
Students review the assignment, rubric, and any handouts or materials given with the assignment. They clarify any immediate questions, but also seek further guidance along the way as needed.
2. Research
Students conduct traditional academic research on the topic and familiarize themselves with infographics (preferably, studying infographics related to the assignment topic).
The instructor decides how extensively students should research, according to the topic and class level. It is important that students truly understand how the research can or should be incorporated into the infographic.
If this research involves fieldwork, interviewing, or even service learning, instructors and students coordinate and plan on capturing media elements that can be used in the creating phase.
3. Planning
Like creating an outline of an essay, students plan their infographic by organizing their research into a thesis/introduction, arguments/subtopics, and conclusion. These are then synthesized into the infographic content—text that is as concise and brief as possible, highlighting the arguments’ main points or supporting facts, and including art direction.
Instructors assist students at this point by providing creative and learning resources, encouraging intermediary deadlines, and giving feedback in real time to the best of their availability. The infographic planning sheet is a great tool to help students organize information.
4. Creating
Students use their research and planning documents to create the infographic. They make simple layout sketches and may gather visual elements (e.g., pictures, icons and symbols, background images) ahead of time.
The infographic can be created in any free design or layout software, ranging from simple and familiar programs (Google Slides, Keynote), to user-friendly and template-based design apps (Canva, Piktochart, Adobe Express), or even advanced graphic editors (Inkscape). The ideal tool will depend on the assignment’s goals and student/instructor proficiency.
Students remain adaptable with their creations. Planning ahead gives them an action plan, but feedback from peers and new insights may lead to changes that improve the final deliverable.
5. Sharing
Finally, students export and submit their infographic, usually in PDF format. They share or post it where peers can see it, such as an LMS (Lamakū) discussion post or in-class presentation, and provide feedback or comments to each other.
The instructor then grades the projects, taking into account the redesigned assignment’s goals and learning outcomes. In addition, the instructor may encourage students to share their creations with a wider audience by posting to social media or an online forum.
Equipment & Software
