Deconstructing Infographics

Infographics are everywhere in our daily lives. They are attractive, eye-catching, and
convey information and clear and efficient ways. In a day and age where reading is
declining, these powerful text types are frequently used to inform, entertain, or persuade.
Be sure to look for the following elements and use the terms correctly when writing a
textual analysis on infographics.

Part 1: Structuring Infographics

Like other texts, infographics have a beginning, middle, and end. In particular, pay close
attention to the visual path established by the creator. Effective infographic designers
know how to steer the viewer’s visual path and successfully through the information.
There are several main organizational strategies to look for in infographics:

1. Chronological structure: This structure presents information in a linear,

time-based order, often using a timeline to show events or processes.
Chronological structures can be useful for presenting historical information or
explaining a step-by-step process.

2. Hierarchical structure: This structure presents information in a hierarchical order,

often using a pyramid or tree structure to show the relationship between different
levels of information. Hierarchical structures can be useful for presenting
organizational or hierarchical information, such as a company's organizational
chart or a food pyramid.

3. Problem-solution structure: This structure presents a problem and then offers a

solution or solutions to the problem, often using visual aids to illustrate the
benefits of the solution.

4. Cause-and-effect structure: This structure presents a cause and then shows the
effect or effects of that cause, often using visual aids to illustrate the relationship
between the two.

5. Comparative structure: This structure presents information by comparing two or

more data points or ideas, often using charts or graphs to show differences or
 similarities. Comparative structures can be useful for presenting data-driven
information, such as market trends or product comparisons.

Part 2: Conventions of Infographics

Once you have identified the purpose and organizational structure of your infographic, it’s
time to identify and analyze how the creator makes choices to shape meaning with respect
to the intended message.

1. Title: A brief and descriptive phrase that identifies the main topic of the
infographic.

2. Headings/Subheadings: Organize the content into logical sections to improve the

infographic's readability.

3. Icons: Simple pictograms or symbols used to represent complex concepts or data

points.

4. Charts/Graphs: Visual data representations, such as bar graphs, pie charts, or line
graphs.

5. Lists/Bullets: Brief, concise, and easy-to-read summaries of information that help

break up a dense text.

6. Callouts/Annotations: Text boxes or bubbles highlighting key information or

drawing attention to specific data points.

7. Color: Color schemes help to visually differentiate between different sections, data
points, or concepts in the infographic.

8. Typography: The font type, size, and style used in the infographic for headings,
subheadings, and body text.

9. Imagery: High-quality images or illustrations that visually support the content and
add context or meaning.
10. Sources/Credits: Information about the data sources, images, or other information
used in the infographic.

11. Flowcharts: Diagrams that show the flow of a process or system, often used to
visualize complex information or decision-making processes.

12. Visual Metaphors: Use of visual elements or metaphors to represent concepts or

ideas, often used in place of text to simplify and enhance understanding.

13. Timeline: A visual representation of a chronological sequence of events, often used

to tell a story or explain the history of a topic.

14. Statistics/Facts: Data-driven points or facts that add credibility and authority to
the information presented in the infographic.

15. Key Takeaways/Summary: A brief summary or conclusion that highlights the main
points or insights of the infographic, providing a clear call to action for the viewer.

16. Labels: Brief text or graphics added to the infographic to provide additional context
or explanation.

17. Emojis: Small graphics representing a specific idea, emotion, or object, often used
to add personality or humor to the infographic.

18. Quotes/Testimonials: Short quotes from experts or customers that add credibility
and social proof to the information presented in the infographic.

19. Comparisons: Visual representations of comparisons between two or more items,

often used to show differences or similarities between products, services, or
concepts.

20. Interactive Elements: Digital elements that allow users to engage with the
infographic, such as clickable buttons, hover-over pop-ups, or animations, making
the infographic more engaging and memorable.