Good and Bad Infographics

Examples of Bad Infographics

The following examples illustrate ineffective ways to visualize data.  Although the first infographic’s research idea is creative, it is trying to provide its viewers with far too much information.  The layout is not only difficult to understand and follow but also incredibly cluttered.  If the information was provided in a simple, crisp, and aesthetically pleasant way, the three-trillion-dollar war would be much easier to understand and visualize.  The second infographic’s images do nothing to further the story, research, or data.  The graphics used by Weatherford to illustrate an employee’s work life cycle are not only poor in their design, but also add no meaning to the poster at all.  The pictures merely illustrate what the viewer can already understand from the surrounding text.  They are useless and only serve to entertain rather than inform.

The Three-Trillion-Dollar War: Its Cost In Ten Steps. Published by GOOD. Design by athleticsnyc.com.

Work Life Cycle of an employee in an organization and the role played by PeopleSoft HRMS system in managing talent and partnering with HR as an enabler. Published by Weatherford. Designed by XPLANE.

Examples of Good Infographics

The following infographics illustrate effective and meaningful ways to represent data.  The images used in both examples not only complement the simple amount of text provided, but also explain and elaborate the research.  They are not illustrated for the sake of entertainment alone.  Both examples are also easy to understand and read.  The information the infrographics are illustrating is accessible and clear, effectively conveying research on safe driving and clean water access.   Both designs are visually stimulating and not cluttered with text, data, graphs, and images.  The colors are aesthetically pleasing and complement one another, the fonts are attention-grabbing, and the general layout is understandable.  Viewers would probably prefer getting information on safe driving and clean water access from these visuals than an article full of text and statistics.

An information graphic for AOL Autos comparing Teen Drivers to Senior Drivers, visualizing various statistics on who are the safer drivers. By Gavin Potenza.

According to the United Nations, unsanitary water kills more people worldwide than war. As the precious water supply dwindles, it may prove to be more than just a crisis for developing countries. A collaboration between GOOD and Column Five Media.