This document provides an overview of information design and how to create effective data visualizations. It discusses that information design uses visual elements to communicate ideas and relationships. Effective information design tells stories with data by showing trends, comparisons, or patterns in a clear, compelling and convincing manner. The document provides tips on planning information design projects by focusing on the audience and desired outcome, assessing the relevant data to include, and considering the best design elements and technologies. Examples from 1940 Thailand are also shown.

1. Infographic
Visualizing Information
@donuzz
@bact
Mekong ICT Camp 2010
Chiangmai, Thailand
June 7-11, 2010
Content from Visualizing Information for Advocacy by John Emerson

2. What is
Information Design ?
Information design uses pictures, symbols, colors, and
words to communicate ideas, illustrate information or
express relationships visually.

3. Information Design Tells a Story
It can tell “how many?” “when?” or “where?” It
can show trends over time, compare elements or
reveal hidden patterns.

4. Information design is about making your data:
Clear
It makes complex information easier to understand.
Compelling
Visuals grab people’s attention.
Convincing
People who might not be persuaded by raw numbers or statistics
may be more likely to understand and believe what they see in a
chart or graphic.

5. How Can You Use Information Design?
•Tell Your Story
•Analyze Your Data
•Make a Plan
•Make Information Visible
•Simplify and Clarify

17. How to Begin
“The main thing to consider is: how will your
information design be used?”

18. Planning Your Information Design
What kind of data is best presented as
a chart, as a diagram or as a map?

19. Planning Your Information Design
How do you know what
information to focus on and
what to exclude?

20. Planning Your Information Design
What is your overall strategy
for change?

21. Planning Your Information Design
What is your desired outcome?

22. Planning Your Information Design
What will move your
constituency or target?

23. Planning Your Information Design
Design for your audience, not
for you.

24. Assessing Your Data
•What information should I collect?
•What types of information do I have?
•Do I have information worth using?
•What is my key message or desired
outcome?
•What can I leave out?

25. Designing Your Graphics
•Color
•Typography
•Structure
•Elements
•Technology

27. Information Graphics examples from 70 years ago.
"Modern Thailand" book, a commemoration of National Day (June 24, 1940)
Khanaratsadon shows the progress of the nation, 8 years after the Siamese Revolution in
2475 B.E. Education coverage, spending, number of schools, teachers, and students.

31. Resource
•www.coolinfographics.com
•www.informationisbeautiful.net
•www.flickr.com/groups/infografias
Video
•www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7yfV6RzE30