homework
Infographics
What are they and how to do them
(Adapted from Janos 2017: “Using infographics to learn and communicate about global problems.”
This is a slide deck for a workshop on 1) what infographics are and are not, 2) what makes a good infographic and what does not, and 3) how I will be evaluating students’ infographics. This is used to build upon the written assignment instructions but done in a visual and compelling manner.
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1. Topic
Not a research paper
“This is too broad. You need to work on narrowing it down and creating some parameters. Where? Need to be more specific.”
International and/or global
“The topic needs to be global. It cannot be US based.”
Purpose
designed to inform and educate, not simply agitate or appeal to emotions or outrage
Must improve on what has already been done
This assignment is different than a traditional research paper in that it has to be highly focused because space is limited. Topics need to be narrowed down. Begin reading news articles from around the world, as well as begin looking at the academic literature on topics to research. Additionally, look over all the course topics and readings for further ideas.
The class is on globalization and you cannot pick a topic based in the USA, unless the USA is one small part of a larger picture related to global flows of capital or people. The topic must either be a global/international phenomenon (span multiple places and countries) or be a specific problem in a specific country other than the USA.
Also discussed is the purpose of an infographic. The assign will emphasize the sociological quality rather than simply appealing to emotion or outrage.
It can build on and improve what is already done, which is exactly what academic research does.
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Infographic is NOT
Propaganda
Slogans
Graphic/upsetting images
Pulling on heartstrings
Part of the outrage machine
You project should NOT involve the continuous circulation of extreme and/or hyperbolical images, issues, videos, and examples.
Approach the creation of infographics much like sociologists would approach academic research, and similarly to what you would create if you were writing a traditional paper.
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Classic infographic of infographics:
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Best Example. Focus on topic, information quality and quantity, and design.
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Adequate Example. Focus on topic, information quality and quantity, and design.
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Rubric
| Excellent | Good | Poor | |
| Topic | sociological topic that is international and/or global, that is designed to inform and educate, not simply agitate or appeal to emotions or outrage. | Meets expectations but with some omission and/or errors | Does not meet expectations and rules and/or contains many errors and omissions |
| Information | must use academic data and information, must contain charts, text, quotes, visual data, that informs and educates, simply agitate or appeal to emotions or outrage, must include reference and citations | Meets expectations but with some omission and/or errors | Does not meet expectations and rules and/or contains many errors and omissions |
| Visual/design content | how visually appealing it is, how easy is it to read and understand, care placed on choosing appropriate fonts, graphics, visuals, and colors, how well organized is it, is there the right balance between information density and visual lightness, | Meets expectations but with some omission and/or errors | Does not meet expectations and rules and/or contains many errors and omissions |
Rubric that I will use to evaluate infographics. Topic, information, design.
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2. Information
The purpose is to inform and education and to understand the global problem, NOT simply outrage or agitate
Must use appropriate and sufficient academic data and information, must contain: charts, text, quotes, visual data, but up to you to chose what’s appropriate
Must include citations and references for the data
The foundation of good sociology is good sociological research based upon peer reviewed academic articles and books. This applies to the creation of infographics as well. They can also use relevant NGOs and governmental organizations that collect and present data, as well as news stories that report on relevant data. Just like a traditional paper, references and citations are still extremely important.
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Visual and design content
How visually appealing it is
How easy is it to read and understand
Care placed on choosing appropriate fonts, graphics, visuals, and colors
How well organized it is
The right balance between information density and visual lightness
Similar to grammar and organization in a paper, good visual design is very important to a successful infographic.
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What to avoid
Here are some infographics that are not visually appealing and/or break design guidelines, and thus detract from the sociological content they are trying to convey.
This one is way too busy and nearly impossible to read and decipher.
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What to avoid
Here are some infographics that are not visually appealing and/or break design guidelines, and thus detract from the sociological content they are trying to convey.
This one attempts to use a flow chart formula but is too convoluted and busy and hard to follow.
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What to avoid
Here are some infographics that are not visually appealing and/or break design guidelines, and thus detract from the sociological content they are trying to convey.
This one has too much text.
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What to avoid
Here are some infographics that are not visually appealing and/or break design guidelines, and thus detract from the sociological content they are trying to convey.
This one can be interpreted in ways totally not intended by the author.
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Prototyping and rough drafting by hand.
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Janos, Nik. 2017. “Using Infographics to Learn and Communicate about Global Problems.” Trails. Washington, DC: American Sociological Association. Retrieved February 27, 2018 (trails.asanet.org/Pages/Resource.aspx?ResourceID.)