Infographic

Infographic Project Overview

The Emerging Technology Innovations "Infographic" Project is an individual assignment with multiple deliverables (see below) that will begin in-class, and then students will work independently after class on the assignment. It's critical that students attend the assignment review class, as all facets of the project will be covered. 

Each student will research data and information on a topic of their choosing related to an emerging technology innovation and a target audience and then create a unique digital infographic using the Piktochart (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. web-based tool (please use the free version). 

This project is worth 300 points of the overall grade. The "Infographic" will be graded based on the Emerging Technology Innovations Infographic Rubric and posted to the Canvas gradebook. Please review this rubric before you begin so you understand the instructor's expectations and how this assignment will be graded.

The Emerging Technology Innovations Infographic Project has 2 stages with the following key deliverables:

· Stage 1: Emerging Technology Innovations Infographic Proposal: The proposal includes the following key criteria: 1) Selected emerging technology innovation topic for the infographic (see the list of options in Canvas) with an introduction, 2) Target audience(s), and 3) Statistical data and information sources to be used in the proposal and the infographic. The Infographic Proposal is to be typed in Word and submitted for grading in the Canvas Assignments dropbox no later than Sunday, 11/18, by 11:59PM. This assignment is worth 75 points of the overall project. 

· Stage 2: Create a Digital Emerging Technology Innovations Infographic. Each student will create his/her infographic on a topic of his/her choosing using Piktochart (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. , a free web-based tool for creating infographics. The digital Infographic is to be completed no later than Wednesday, 12/5, by 11:59PM which includes posting a link to Infographic webpage (or downloading and attaching a .jpeg or .png image of the infographic) in the Canvas Assignments dropbox.  The digital infographic is worth 225 points of the overall project. 

What is an Infographic?

Creating a digital infographic is an emerging tactic that has been successfully used across industries for different purposes (e.g., increase public awareness, marketing, tracking trends, etc.). Infographics have become increasingly popular with the growth of highly visual social media channels like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Infographics are eye catching, help people connect and remember information, and are easy to share.

So what exactly is an 'infographic'? It's a visual element that integrates text, statistics, and visual images and illustrations to tell a data-driven story. It provides a visual representation of statistical numerical information to convey a message clearly (Perch, 2013).

The infographic (on the right) - The Google Yourself Challenge - is a good example of an infographic that blends images and contextual information with statistics to educate the public on the importance of 'Googling Yourself' to learn how much information about yourself is available on the web to virtually anyone and why it matters.

Do You Remember the 'Google Gotcha! Activity? The "Google Yourself Challenge" infographic was selected as an example because it's a good follow-up to the "Google Gotcha!" activity (with discussion board) that students participated in!

TIP! To view the enlarged infographic, see the article by Anson Alexander in Technology Trends (July 30, 2012) on the following webpage:  https://ansonalex.com/infographics/googling-yourself-and-why-it-is-important-infographic/#infographic (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

Best Practices

Best practices in the design and promotion of infographics include the following key insights: (Perch, 2013; Recipe for an Infographic, 2014)

· Seize the data. If there is no data to communicate, you probably do not need an infographic. Infographics typically include statistical information, in addition to text and images.

· See it to believe it. The data or topic should be easily represented visually.

· Know your audience. A clear definition of the target audience is key. Before anything else, ask yourself, "Who is this infographic for, and how will they use it?". For example, the target audience for the "Google Yourself Challenge" Infographic would seem to be young adults, adults, and particularly, professionals, unemployed persons, or recent graduates who will be looking for employment at some point in time.

· Answer ONE question. Focus your infographic on one topic; i.e., have your infographic answer ONE question. This will minimize clutter and going in too many directions in your infographic.

· Tell a story. Finalize a streamlined story with a beginning, middle, and end that includes both the benefits and challenges. The best infographics communicate a clear story by pairing creativity with insightful images and data.

· Keep it simple and clear. Eliminate medical or scientific jargon and use clear graphics to translate complex data. Don't add anything extra that doesn't support your story; clutter only weakens your overall message. Focus on your story, and keep to the main points. Consider the readability of your text for your target audience and write in plain language.

· Be Unique. Your infographic should be a unique representation of the data you want to share. Be creative!

· Promote, promote, promote. A great infographic without a solid promotion plan will not be successful. Consider web and social media channels.

Statistical Data and Information Sources for the Infographic

Students are required to do research to obtain relevant information and statistical data about your chosen emerging technology innovations topic and target audience(s). The information and data that will be used in the Emerging Technology Innovations Infographic must be obtained from reputable sources (see below for some examples) and an integral part of the Infographic.

To assist you, the following sites can be very useful for finding relevant data (statistics) and information that you will need to both prepare your proposal and create your digital infographic. These are just a starting point, and you are welcome to find sources that are not found via the links below.

Note: For the Proposal and Digital Infographic, you will need a total of 3-5 sources.

Sources for Technology-Related and General Statistical Data:

· Pew Research – Internet Project - Topics:  http://www.pewinternet.org/topics/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

· Pew Research - Internet Project - Publications: http://www.pewinternet.org/category/publications/reports/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

· Shorenstein Center for Journalism Resources -  https://journalistsresource.org/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

· Huffington Post – Technology Stats: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tag/technology-stats/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

· Internet World Stats: http://www.internetworldstats.com/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

· Data.gov: http://catalog.data.gov/dataset?q=technology&sort=score+desc%2C+name+asc (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

· DataMarket: https://datamarket.com/data/list/?q=technology&ref=search (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

 

Sources for Technology-Related General Information (Content):

· Ars Technica: http://arstechnica.com/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

· Business Insider Tech: http://www.businessinsider.com/sai (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

· CNET: http://www.cnet.com/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

· Computer World: http://www.computerworld.com/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

· Forbes Technology: http://www.forbes.com/technology/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

· Future Technologies: http://www.explainingthefuture.com/technologies.html (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

· Huffington Post Technology: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tech/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

· Mashable: http://mashable.com/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

· New York Times Technology: http://www.nytimes.com/pages/technology/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

· PC World: http://www.pcworld.com/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

· Wall Street Journal Technology: http://online.wsj.com/news/technology (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

· Wired: http://www.wired.com/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

Sample Infographics

Before creating your own digital Emerging Technology Innovations Infographic, it would be very helpful to examine samples of technology-related infographics to become familiar with possible visual design elements as you plan your own. See the samples below.

Your Infographic

Keep in mind that for this project, your Emerging Technology Innovations Infographic should tell a story with a blend of text, statistical data, and graphic images embedded and must include the following sections:

· Infographic Title 

· Introduce the emerging technology 

· Target audience 

· Benefits/opportunities and/or challenges/problems/implications 

· Sources for the infographic in APA format

Other items may be included, but are 'optional' and are to be included as applicable to add value to the infographic. Examples include:

· How the emerging technology works

· History/evolution of the emerging technology

· Future direction of the technology

Sample Infographics

As you view the sample technology-related infographics below, ask yourself: do they include the required and optional sections that should be included in YOUR infographic (see above)? How could the infographics below do a better job of telling the "story" to meet the requirements of the assignment?

· "Googling Yourself and Why It Is Important" Infographic:  http://ansonalex.com/technology/googling-yourself-and-why-it-is-important-infographic/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.  

· "A New Era of the Digital Revolution" Infographic:  http://www.journalism.org/2012/03/23/infographic-a-new-era-of-the-digital-revolution/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.  

· "QRC vs.NFC: Which Will Reign Supreme in the Battle to Replace Your Credit Card?" Infographic:  http://www.nerdgraph.com/qr-vs-nfc-which-will-reign-supreme-in-the-battle-to-replace-your-credit-card/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

Process of Creating the Infographic and Required Elements

The Emerging Technology Innovations Infographic is comprised of well-integrated images, text, and statistics that tell a data-driven story.

Follow the step-by-step process (below) to create your unique Infographic. Be sure to complete all steps!

Note: Because students are familiar with the "Google Yourself Challenge" Infographic by Anson Alexander, it will be used as an example to illustrate this process. However, keep in mind that there are many ways to approach the content and design/layout of your infographic. This is just one approach.

Step 1	Look at examples of technology-related infographics to become familiar with the design and components, if you haven't already done so. Samples can be found in "Stage 2: Create the Emerging Technology Innovations Infographic" in this unit. Important! Be sure to also review "What is an Infographic?" in Stage 1 of the Infographic Project for best practices in creating an infographic.
Step 2	Research further (before creating the Infographic in Piktochart) as a continuation of the sources you initially identified in your Infographic proposal to identify all sources to obtain both information and statistical data for your infographic for your emerging technology innovations topic, focus (answer the ONE question), industry, and target audience(s). You will need 3-5 relevant and reputable sources (text and statistical data) that will be integrated into the Infographic and referenced in the Sources section of the Infographic.  Important! For a list of sources to obtain additional information and/or statistical data for your infographic as needed, see Information and Statistical Data Sources in Stage 1 of the Infographic Project in this unit.
Step 3	Draft the "Story" of your infographic, which includes a beginning, middle, and end with a clear focus (i.e., answer the ONE question). Consider the readability of your text for your target audience(s) and write in plain language. Tip! Chunk your information. Keep in mind, an infographic typically is comprised of 4 (or more) blocks or sections in a relatively narrow space. Keep it simple and straightforward. Include the following sections in your infographic: · Infographic title * · Introduce the emerging technology * · How the emerging technology works · History/evolution of the emerging technology · Target audience * · Benefits/opportunities and/or challenges/problems/implications* · Future direction · Sources * Note: Items with an (*) asterisk are required. The other items are 'optional' and are to be included as applicable to add value to the infographic.
Step 4	Create a free account on Piktochart, a web-based tool, to create your infographic. Go to: http://piktochart.com/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. Refer to the following resource to assist you in using Piktochart: · Piktochart Help: https://support.piktochart.com/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
Step 5	Design the infographic in Piktochart. Choose from a 'theme' (template) or start from scratch.  There are 8 ready-made themes (templates, as shown below) available in the free version that can assist you in creating your Infographic, or you can start from a blank page ("PRO" templates cost a fee). See:   (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. https://piktochart.com/templates/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. Note: Be aware that you may need to modify and customize a theme if you select one of Piktochart's free template as you build your infographic. You could also choose to start from scratch with a blank canvas.
Step 6	Colors and Extras in Piktochart. Select colors, background (solid is recommended), icons, text, fonts, etc., for your design. Keep in mind that an effective infographic incorporates elements of good design: visually appealing; images and icons contribute to the overall message and support the data; color and font choices are legible and enhance the design; text, images, and data are organized well on the infographic with effective use of space to communicate ideas. Piktochart's icons work well for the visuals in your infographic. You may also use images outside of Piktochart, if desired, but you will need to consider file size (save smaller image file sizes) and resolution as you upload and insert the images into your infographic. Tip! If you are going to use graphic images from outside of Piktochart, you can obtain images with a "Creative Commons License" that gives permission to use others' images. Do an "Advanced Search" on Flickr (see: https://www.flickr.com/creativecommons/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. ) and enter your keywords in the Search box and then scroll down and select the option "Only search with Creative Commons-licensed content."
Step 7	Build the pieces/sections of your infographic in Piktochart:  · Title of Infographic (required). · Introduction (required) that explains what you are about to share with a basic stat or fact to start the infographic and engage viewers. Here's an example of a Title and Introduction in the "Google Yourself Challenge" infographic: · How the Emerging Technology Works (optional).  In the "Google Yourself Challenge" Infographic (shown below), we can see that 2 block/sections have been used to describe how the emerging technology works: · History/Evolution of the Emerging Technology (optional). This is an optional section that was not included in the "Google Yourself Challenge" Infographic; however, you may include it in your infographic. · Target Audience(s) (required).  Based on the information and statistical data in the "Google Yourself Challenge" Infographic, the target audience would seem to be young adults, adults, and particularly, professionals, unemployed persons, or recent graduates who will be looking for employment at some point in time.   · Benefits/opportunities and/or challenges/problems/implications (required). The inferred "benefit/opportunity" in the "Google Yourself Challenge" Infographic is that social media allows people to stay in touch with friends and family and network with others. However, the infographic clearly focuses on the "challenges/problems/implications" of sharing personal information out on the 'web' for all to see, as shown below. There are 2 sections/blocks in the infographic addressing this. · Future Direction of the emerging technology innovation (optional). In the "Google Yourself Challenge" Infographic (shown below), we can see that the author provides guidance for the audience as to what they can do to learn more about what has been published about them on the Web and also suggested ideas of how to better protect one's identity moving forward. · Sources (required) to give attribution to images, information or statistics obtained. You should provide the URL that goes directly to that source. APA formatting of your sources is required. Tip! To refer to the complete "Google Yourself Challenge" Infographic, go to: http://ansonalex.com/technology/googling-yourself-and-why-it-is-important-infographic/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. .
Step 8	Preview your Infographic in Piktochart. Re-examine the readability of your infographic (from Step 3) and revise, as needed. Proofread and edit your infographic for errors in grammar, punctuation, misspellings, etc., as needed.

Piktochart Tool to Create Your Infographic

Although PowerPoint can be used to create an Infographic, there are many web-based tools available (for free or subscription) that are designed specifically to create Infographics.

For this project, it is recommended that students use Piktochart, a web-based tool that offers a 'free' version (it is not necessary to purchase Piktochart for this project). Students can register and create a "free" Piktochart account at:  http://piktochart.com/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

Note: Infographics that you create using Piktochart are stored on the Web, but are accessible to those who have been given a link by you.

There are 8 ready-made themes available in the free version that can assist you in creating your Infographic, or you can start from a blank page ("PRO" templates cost a fee). After you create a Piktochart account and are logged in, see:   (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. https://piktochart.com/templates/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

Piktochart Resource

The following is a resource to assist you in using Piktochart:

· Piktochart Help:  https://support.piktochart.com/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.