IntroductionThe information graphics is in a widely range of use in our daily life, road sign, weather forecast, time table of public transport, manuals to explain how things work in diversity professional area, different maps of application from an area map to guide in a shopping mall… Information graphics are surrounded everywhere.

In the 16th century, early maps and diagrams have been created in order to record for navigation and exploration. In the recently years, it is much harder to provide an overview in data visualization because they have been across a widely range. Generally said, for the purpose of communicate in a more efficient way; data visualization has become an effective tool. In this case, information graphic has attached importance as a new graphic media with flexibility and possibilities it can achieved, also, abstract data and re-construct the information has become a task to designers; information designers has altered from narrator to author.

This book will describe information graphic in specific catalogue first, then talk about the 5 principles of making information graphic, then use case study to experiment the criteria and evaluation.

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Content .introduction .............................................................1. an overview of information graphic what is information graphic .definition .............................................................. .infographic ........................................................... the principle and criteria of information graphic .principle ............................................................... .criteria ................................................................. the types of information graphic .diagram .............................................................. .charts (flow chart) ................................................ .graph (line chart, bar chart, pie chart).................. .map..................................................................... .pictogram............................................................

2. case study . pictogram ...........................................................

3.summery .................................................................

4.bibilography .............................................................

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AN OVERVIEW OF

INFORMATIONGRAPHIC

1What is information graphic?

Definition

Information graphic is a subject which combines information architecture and graphic design. A successful piece of information graphic is the short cut by enhance the interest of the audience and can became an effective platform between the information and target audience. “Information design is about the selection, organization and presentation of information to a given audience, information itself can come from almost any resources, route maps, flow diagrams, statistic diagram, installation instructions, manufacturing processes, etc. “(Peter Wildbur, Information Graphics,1999)

Infographic

The phrase ”infographic” is a new word combined by information and graphic. It was not a common phrase only the design departs of magazine and newspaper uses them as

represent of graphic journalism. Until 1993, “infographic” starts been widely uses by the holding of Malofiej International Infographic Awards.

Infographic is a kind of graphic design which been provided with new and marvelous informa-tion to attract the attention at first, plus the visual design which can adapted different target audi-ence to make the information more understand-ing.

Design is in the purpose of making life more comfortable, “attractive, simple and clearly” and “functionality, not misleading” are the two big principles while making infographic. The former one attaches importance in the relation of people to people, the latter one place the point on people and objects. Information design nowadays has become a new kind of media itself; by visualizing information, infographic can be a new trend of media itself, persuasive and powerful.

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1.“The Dark Knight“, Chiqui Esteban,2009 2.”A world of 100“, Toby Ng, 2011 3. The Largest Bankruptcies in History”, always with honor, 2009

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Principle

Here explains the key principles of making infographic.The following 5 principles are selected by reviewing the judge’s top 5 words on entries of SND (The Society for News Design) on Feb, 2009.

The principle and criteria of information graphic

The first priority when a message been delivered is being noticed. When the world is fulfilled with mas-sive information, by the main visual and graphic composition, it can decide the graphic will catch the sight in a glance or hard to gather the attention if the graphic does not have distinguished feature. The focal point here is not “being distinguished only”; it is about let the audience can realize the content at the first sight.

A single infographic should not talk about more than one topic at one time. The topic of the graphic has to be clear enough in order to let the designer decide what is the main concept has to be express and to let the target audience clearly realize what is going to talk about.

Attractive Clear1 2

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Abstract the information can make the topic much simple for designer to represent, using the less information to express the topic to gain more consequent is also important. Besides, not only the information itself has to be simple, the basis of graphic design principles ( like the colour, text, typography, layout ) should also be fulfilled.

Utilize two and three dimension condition and follow the line of sight. Generally, the sight of human should follow the line from left to right, the top to bottom; apply graphic design skills to guide the audience to achieve the sequence of information.

The responses of people from graphic are coming from the habit in their daily life. Starts from the audience and keep consider about what are the requirements of them. The most ideally infographic is while remove the words away and kept the graphic, it can still work, still communicable by the picture only.

Simple Flow Wordless3 4 5

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Criteria

Here are the criteria of infographic.The following 4 criteria are establish by myself in the continually test and practice of making infographic.

The principle and criteria of information graphic

The aim of an infographic is to express the information; without information, the infograph-ic will be meaningless. A constructed story will make the graphic more convince. The story telling must be integrated, systematization and accurate.

The graphic has to be easily to decode. If the information in the infographic is harder to understand than the original resources, then it will lose its signification.

Aconstructedstory

Efficiency1 2

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The appearance of an infographic must be simple and clear. The visual way of the graphic cannot be too complicate in order to avoid audiences losing their attention.

An appealing graphic to communicate the information is needed: basis on the graphic design knowledge, combine the layout, illustration, symbol, charts and diagram into one graphic properly. Besides, think about the target audience, the same information can transform into a totally different looking based on different audience.These elements will enrich the graphic, makes it more attractive, less words and picture only to push it onto a higher level to close “good design” and approach to the wordless design.

Simple and clear

Bring aesthetic feeling

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The types of information graphic

Diagram

A diagram is a general name of assemble types of information graphic which explains how things work, when a complicate topic needs to explained by images than words, it provides variety solutions can be use, such like flowcharts and technical illustrations. A diagram can be a set of different types of information graphic, delivers the message in most proper way prosperity.

The earliest published of printed information in diagram, to explain how things work is “encyclopaedias” by Denis Diderot”, first published in 1751 in France. It provided a mirror of eighteen century life, depicting every aspect of the culture, manufacturing and craft of the period.

The earliest form of printed information in graphic: encyclopaedias of Denis Diderot, 1751. The graphic shows the tools’ details and a flowchart about how to use them to work.

1. Ikea instruction manual 2.“Soyuz vs Shuttle“, Chiqui Esteban,2009

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The types of information graphicThe types of information graphic

Chart

A chart is a type of diagram that represents an process, showing the steps as boxes of various kinds; the way of information going can change due to the different options. The flow chart symbols are linked together with arrows showing the process flow direction; this kind of infographic can give a step-by-step solution to a given problem. Flowcharts are used in various fields, such as recording or designing a process or program.

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1. “The Sony Timeline”, Jesus Diaz , 2009 2.“resume of Nakiki.Chi”, Tracy Hsu Hsuan-Chi, 2012

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1. “Oh Snap! Our Step-By-Step Guide To Getting Shot By The Sartorialist”, Joshua Covarrubias, 2009 2. “我想拍一部動作電影“, BETC EURO RSCG, Paris, France, 2011 3. “What Should I Bring To Thanksgiving?“ Spencer Sands, 2011

The types of information graphicThe types of information graphic

graph(line chart, bar chart, pie chart)

Graph is a kind of chart includes flow chart, bar chart, line chart and pie chart in order to represent the showing statistics. Normally the charts have to start by zero to display the trend from the beginning.

line chart

The feature of a line chart is to display information from numerous individual data points and connect by line; by linking the data points on the graph, the information can be tell through the ups and downs. It is a very common visualization tool applied in time period. A line graph is often based on trend data, over time period and different data in a same line chart can be compared.However, the statistics shows in a line chart totally depends on the literally text, the details of information and comparison is not feasible in a line chart.

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The New York Times. “A Century of Meat”. This picture shows the American consumption of chicken and beef rose substantially after World War II. By using a line graph, it can be easily distinguish the details of the data and the information based on time trend.

bar chart

A bar chart is used to summarize a set of specific data. It displays the data using a number of bars in same width, each of them representing a particular category. It structured by rectangular bars with lengths proportional to the values that they represent. The bars can be displayed vertically or horizontally.This kind of chart is very useful for recording certain information whether it is continuous or not continuous data. Bar charts can look a lot like a histogram. The first bar graph appeared in the 1786 book The Commercial and Political Atlas, by William Playfair (1759-1823 )

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1. “Average hours of sleep by adults in the US“, NY Times, 2011 2. “Who’s Really Opting In?“ Grant Landram, 2011

Pie chart

Pie chart is a circular chart, divided from center into several parts; it is for displaying percentages and fractions due to the principle is very easy to understand. A pie chart is one of the most common and easy format of information graphic to illustrate. In the opposite point of view, percentages and fractions is the only information which a pie chart can deliver, it is difficult to compare different sections or the data across different pie charts.

500,000 Apps, “Approved apps in the iTune app store” (excerpts). This pie chart show the proportion of different prices of apps in classification by different colours and statistics.

The types of information graphicThe types of information graphic

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Map

A map is showing the relationship of specific objects and its area in a flat graphic. Omission is one of the significant principles in the process while narrowing down the showing. Another principle of map is to let the user locates the correct location in a physical area.

Map for locater use

This type of map shows location to something in relation to something else. The kind of format gathered all the physical resources in certain location. This kind of map is unselect and shows all physical information, shows the general information.

Map for schematic use

The feature of a schematic map is a kind of map that only shows the selective information for the audiences’ specific needs. The selected information of direction can switch depends on variety condition, like the position where the user stands. These kind of map should put user’s position in the central of the map.

1. The general map of 耕莘文教院. (Google) This map provides multiple information for general public, includes the roads, streets, scale, other significant building and the target. 2. The map of 耕莘文教院 for specific users. Only show the most three significant roads, traffic information and emphasizes the target.

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Pictogram

Generally speaking, a pictogram is communicating the information clearly by picture. This format of picture is very common to see in public area, such like on the street, in the shopping mall, airport, public transport station, hospital, etc. Pictogram is a subject of icon which the principle is “wordless” due to words is easily to miss-understand by different language. There have some situation that still needs word to explain despite the highest principle of pictogram is wordless.

1. There is some common pictogram in public area which can easily identification despite the foreigner user cannot understand the language. That is what pictogram does. (photo taken in Italy.)2. In some situation the pictogram can be more alike simplified illustration. (photo taken in Italy.)

The types of information graphicThe types of information graphic

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Sometimes the pictogram still needs text to explain due to the message is too complex. (photo taken in France.)

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CASE STUDY

2Case study

Pictogram

Here is a case study which shows the process of making a pictogram for specific client. From the concept developing, adapting exist theme into design and evaluation.Infographic

The phrase ”infographic” is a new word combined by information and graphic. It was not a common phrase only the design departs of magazine and newspaper uses them as

Brief

This set of pictogram is designed for the “Sailor Moon Only event - Moon Light Legend”, the spe-cial party for Sailor Moon fans.

“Moonlight Legend” is an event which will gather the fan clubs who crate Dojinshi and the cosplayers. For those two clients and general attendee, the brief is about made the quests can join into the Sailor Moon world; let them enjoy the atmosphere and environment of it.

In order to fulfill the concept, combine the Sailor Moon feature into the pictogram is which the clients want.

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Case study

Sailor Moon studies

The Sailor Moon studies around four catalogues:

Character featureStory and profileColourPersonality

Refernce

The reference and inspiration of whole set pictogram were come from LEGO LAND, which applies their famous shape of LEGO. Also, try to use the distinct appearance of different Sailor Moon character in this project will have strong impact.

Needed content

The needed icons are as followed:

Information Changing room Cloak room Dressing room Cosplay zone Stands Stage Toilet

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Concept developing

The concepts developing process are start from the existed pictogram then combine the Sailor Moon theme:

1. find the established pictogram of each topic

2. build the connection and concept developing between the traditional one and Sailor Moon topic.

3. check the possibilities of evaluation for the balance between Sailor Moon fans (main target audience) and general public.

Changing room and cloak room

From a hanger which is the original and most common represent of changing room into Sailor Senshi ’s (means warrior) costume, the spirits of Sailor Moon.A suitcase for cloak room at first, then use the weapon ant electronic pet of Sailor Chibi Moon to present “put something there”.

1. Changing room and cloak room 2.Stands 3.Cosplay zone

The types of information graphicCase study

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Stands

In the event, there will have fan clubs to show their own goods and “Doujin” (self-printed comic books) will take the biggest proportion. This pictogram combines Sailor Venus inside based on the characteristic: Sailor Venus love to read comic books.

Dressing room

In the book, Sailor Mars is famous of her beauty. The pictogram shows Mars is dressing up in front of the mirror.

Cosplay zone

Cosplay is a type of performance and provides audience to take pictures. In this section, Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune are been taken picture by Sailor Saturn as a couple which raise Saturn up.

Information and Nurse teacher

Sailor Mercury has IQ 300 which is the most wise warrior in the Sailor team. As the girl who is smart, she is the best representative as a guide. Beside her is Sailor Jupiter who usually has questions and get lost.

In the story, Sailor Pluto’s occupation is nurse teacher and serves in elementary school. This is the best replacement as first aid.

4. Dressing room 5. information and Nurse teacher

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Toilet/ female&male

Toilet/ female & male

Sailor Moon, as the main character in this anime, is well known in the world wide as her special appearance.

Tuxedo mask is Sailor Moon’s boyfriend, also is the main male character in this anime. His look is also easily to recognize.

The types of information graphicCase study

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Stage

Stage

Three lights is a popular band and super star in this animation. In the event, there will have cosplayers as host on the event to interactive with the quests. The identity of idol is prefectly fit the image of stage.

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Visual testing

In the process of defining the main visual style of the series, several options have been tested, in order to complete the balance between common pictogram system with Sailor Moon style.

Case study

1. In order to get the graphic more close to the Sailor Moon feature, the basic of human shape was also improved.2. Different style of “information“.

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Final outcome

Case study

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The pictures which were taken on the event.

The types of information graphicCase study

Examine by the criteria

Each pictogram has their theme inside, the Sailor Moon characters has provides their own information in the picture.

Throw away the feature of Sailor Moon characters, the left part has well-communicated the given message.

By the united shape and simple lines in each pictogram, it has provides clear message to the audiences.

Aconstructedstory

Efficiency Simple and clear

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The pictures which were taken on the event.

By the feedback of the client which are all Sailor Moon manic, the pictogram has well impacted to fans.

Bring aesthetic feeling

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SUMMERY

3Summery

Infographic is a popular trend of graphic style, through a good one graphic instead a full-texted document can communicate information more effectively. In order to make good infographic, the graphic designer has to own two kinds of talent: the logic of construct and re-organized the information and graphic design skills to make the infographic effectively. Both of them are a professional subject to study.

By applying the principles and criteria this book provides can help people to study infographic access into a higher level.

Due to the research of Allan Branch, there are 100 information graphics released every day, but 62% of the audience cannot understand information graphics without pictures and big fonts although 67% of the audience read information graphic and love them.

It shows the fact that although information graphic has been full in our life, there still having a big gap between the good ones and the bad ones.

Although the infographic itself should make sense to let people understand and meaningful in the first priority, the fact is catch the audience at the first sight has decided the graphic success or not. In this fast communicating age, to achieve this goal, not only have to depend on the re-constructing information but also have to put more effort on how to do the eye-catching graphic design. That is also the reason for infographic designer should learn graphic design before study information design.

Wish all of the readers can achieve their goal in making good infographic in the future.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

4Bibliography

Daily Infographic | A New Infographic Every Day | Data Visualization, Information Design and Infographics. 2011. Daily Infographic | A New Infographic Every Day | Data Visualization, Information Design and Infographics. [ONLINE] Available at:http://dailyinfographic.com/. [Accessed 24 July 2012].

Richard Hollis, 1994. Graphic Design: A Concise History (World of Art). Edition. Thames & Hudson

Andreas Uebele, 2007. Signage Systems and Information Graphics. Edition. Thames & Hudson

John Lucas, 1997. Diagram Collection: The Best in Graphs, Charts, Maps and Tech-nical Illustration (v. 1) (English, German and Japanese Edition). Edition. Nippon Shuppan Hanbai Deutschland GmbH.

Bar Chart Definition | Investopedia . 2012. Bar Chart Definition | Investope-dia . [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/barchart.asp#axzz1pwPsI1Wa. [Accessed 4 July 2012].

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Bibliography

cheong. (2012). Infographic – 一種有力的宣傳工具. Available: http://creative_stitches.pixelactionstudio.com/?p=44. Last accessed 20th July 2012.

Kai Lo. (2011). The Ecdysis and New Vision of Pictogram. Available: http://nicejona-than.pixnet.net/blog/post/35503262-the-ecdysis-and-new-vision-of-pictogram. Last accessed 27th July 2012.

木村博之 (2012). 設計的邏輯. Taiwan: 旗標出版股份有限公司.

Sendpoint Publishing Co., Limited (2008). The Best Of Brochure Design II. China: Sendpoint Books Co., LTD.

Quotation編輯部(2010). Quotation.1~4 Taiwan: 遠足文化事業股份有限公司

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The approach to visualize information into graphic design將資訊視覺化為平面設計之過程

Author: Tracy Hsu Hsuan-Chi作者:許萱淇

published: 2012.8.8 in Taipei出版日:2012.8.8 於台北

email: nakiki.chi@gmail.com

www.nakiki.com.tw

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