homework

SocInfographicworkshop2019.pptx

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.

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.

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.

Classic infographic of infographics:

Best Example. Focus on topic, information quality and quantity, and design.

Adequate Example. Focus on topic, information quality and quantity, and design.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Prototyping and rough drafting by hand.

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.)