Infographic Designer

---
name: Infographic Designer
slug: infographic-designer
description: Create engaging data visualizations and infographics
category: design
complexity: simple
version: "1.0.0"
author: "ID8Labs"
triggers:
  - "create infographic"
  - "design infographic"
  - "data visualization"
  - "visualize data"
  - "infographic"
tags:
  - infographic
  - data-viz
  - design
  - marketing
---

# Infographic Designer

An information design expert that transforms complex data and concepts into clear, engaging visual stories. This skill combines data visualization principles, visual hierarchy, and storytelling to create infographics that inform, educate, and persuade.

From statistical reports to process flows to comparison charts, this skill ensures your data is not just seen, but understood and remembered.

## Core Workflows

### Workflow 1: Statistical Infographic
1. **Gather data**
   - Collect all statistics and figures
   - Identify key insights
   - Determine hierarchy (most to least important)
   - Find supporting context

2. **Choose visualization types**
   - **Comparisons**: Bar charts, column charts
   - **Trends**: Line graphs, area charts
   - **Proportions**: Pie charts, donut charts
   - **Relationships**: Scatter plots, bubble charts
   - **Distributions**: Histograms, box plots

3. **Design layout**
   - Define visual flow (top-to-bottom, left-to-right)
   - Create hierarchy with size and color
   - Group related data
   - Add context and annotations

4. **Apply visual design**
   - Brand colors and fonts
   - Icons to support data points
   - White space for clarity
   - Consistent styling

5. **Add storytelling elements**
   - Headline that states key insight
   - Subheadings for sections
   - Supporting copy to explain "why"
   - Call-to-action or conclusion

### Workflow 2: Process Infographic
1. **Map the process**
   - List all steps in order
   - Identify decision points
   - Note parallel processes
   - Define start and end states

2. **Choose process type**
   - **Linear**: Step 1 → Step 2 → Step 3
   - **Circular**: Continuous cycle
   - **Branching**: Decision trees
   - **Timeline**: Historical progression
   - **Funnel**: Progressive filtering

3. **Design visual metaphor**
   - Roadmap/journey
   - Staircase/ladder
   - Puzzle pieces
   - Building blocks
   - Growth/evolution

4. **Add clarity elements**
   - Number each step
   - Use icons for quick recognition
   - Show connections with arrows/lines
   - Highlight decision points

### Workflow 3: Comparison Infographic
1. **Define comparison**
   - What's being compared (products, options, eras)
   - Comparison criteria
   - Number of items (2 works best, max 4)

2. **Choose layout**
   - **Side-by-side**: Two columns
   - **Versus**: Centered divide
   - **Table**: Grid comparison
   - **Venn diagram**: Overlap areas

3. **Design comparison**
   - Equal visual weight for fairness
   - Color-code for quick scanning
   - Icons for each item
   - Highlight key differences

4. **Add context**
   - Title stating comparison
   - Clear labels
   - Visual indicators (✓/✗, thumbs, stars)
   - Conclusion or recommendation

### Workflow 4: Educational Infographic
1. **Structure content**
   - Break topic into digestible chunks
   - Order logically (simple to complex)
   - Identify key concepts
   - Find interesting facts/stats

2. **Choose format**
   - **How-to**: Step-by-step guide
   - **Explainer**: Concept breakdown
   - **Did you know**: Fact collection
   - **Myth vs. Fact**: Misconception busting
   - **Before/After**: Transformation story

3. **Design for learning**
   - Visual metaphors for abstract concepts
   - Icons to aid memory
   - Consistent color-coding
   - Clear visual hierarchy
   - Bite-sized text blocks

4. **Make it shareable**
   - Compelling headline
   - Eye-catching visuals
   - Logo/attribution
   - Social-friendly dimensions

## Quick Reference

| Action | Command/Trigger |
|--------|-----------------|
| Statistical infographic | "Create infographic for [data/stats]" |
| Process visualization | "Visualize the process of [topic]" |
| Comparison chart | "Compare [A] vs [B] infographic" |
| Timeline | "Create timeline for [historical events]" |
| Educational | "Explain [topic] as infographic" |
| Social media infographic | "Design shareable infographic about [topic]" |

## Infographic Types Library

### 1. Statistical Infographic
**Best for**: Survey results, research findings, annual reports

**Structure**:
```
+----------------------------------+
|    Compelling Statistic Headline  |
|           (Large Number)          |
+----------------------------------+
|  [Chart 1]     |    [Chart 2]    |
|  Description   |    Description  |
+----------------------------------+
|  [Chart 3]     |    [Chart 4]    |
|  Description   |    Description  |
+----------------------------------+
|        Key Takeaway               |
+----------------------------------+
```

### 2. Timeline Infographic
**Best for**: Company history, project milestones, historical events

**Structure**:
```
START
  |
  • 2020: Event 1
  |      [icon] [description]
  |
  • 2021: Event 2
  |      [icon] [description]
  |
  • 2022: Event 3
  |      [icon] [description]
  |
  • 2023: Event 4
  |      [icon] [description]
  ↓
PRESENT
```

### 3. Process/How-To
**Best for**: Instructions, workflows, methodologies

**Structure**:
```
[STEP 1]  →  [STEP 2]  →  [STEP 3]  →  [STEP 4]
 [icon]       [icon]       [icon]       [icon]
  Text         Text         Text         Text
```

### 4. Comparison Infographic
**Best for**: Product comparisons, before/after, this vs. that

**Structure**:
```
+---------------+---------------+
|   OPTION A    |   OPTION B    |
|   [icon]      |   [icon]      |
+---------------+---------------+
| Feature 1: ✓  | Feature 1: ✗  |
| Feature 2: ✓  | Feature 2: ✓  |
| Feature 3: ✗  | Feature 3: ✓  |
| Feature 4: ✓  | Feature 4: ✓  |
+---------------+---------------+
|   $99/mo      |   $149/mo     |
+---------------+---------------+
```

### 5. List/Ranking
**Best for**: Top 10 lists, best practices, tips

**Structure**:
```
TOP 5 [TOPIC]

1. [Large icon] First Item
   Brief description

2. [Large icon] Second Item
   Brief description

3. [Large icon] Third Item
   Brief description

4. [Large icon] Fourth Item
   Brief description

5. [Large icon] Fifth Item
   Brief description
```

### 6. Flowchart/Decision Tree
**Best for**: Decision-making processes, troubleshooting

**Structure**:
```
         [START]
            |
            ↓
       [Question 1?]
       /           \
     YES            NO
      |              |
      ↓              ↓
[Outcome A]    [Question 2?]
                   /      \
                 YES       NO
                  |         |
                  ↓         ↓
            [Outcome B] [Outcome C]
```

### 7. Geographic/Map
**Best for**: Location data, regional statistics, distributions

**Structure**:
```
    [MAP IMAGE]

Region 1: [Data point] [icon]
Region 2: [Data point] [icon]
Region 3: [Data point] [icon]

Color-coded by: [Legend]
```

## Design Principles for Infographics

**Hierarchy**
- Most important info = largest/highest contrast
- Guide eye with size, color, position
- Use the F-pattern or Z-pattern

**Simplicity**
- One idea per section
- Remove all non-essential elements
- Use white space generously
- Limit to 3-4 colors

**Accuracy**
- Don't distort data for visual effect
- Proportions must be accurate
- Include sources and date
- Define terms if needed

**Clarity**
- Label everything
- Use familiar chart types
- Avoid 3D effects on charts
- High contrast text

**Flow**
- Clear reading path (numbers, arrows)
- Logical progression
- Connected narrative
- Satisfying conclusion

**Brand Consistency**
- Use brand colors and fonts
- Include logo (subtle)
- Match brand personality
- Maintain style across series

## Color Usage in Infographics

**Data Visualization Colors**
- Use distinct hues for categories
- Use gradient for scale/intensity
- Avoid red/green only (colorblind accessible)
- Limit to 5-7 colors max

**Semantic Colors**
- Green: Positive, growth, success
- Red: Negative, decline, warning
- Blue: Neutral, trust, information
- Orange: Attention, caution
- Gray: Context, background

**Contrast**
- Dark text on light background (or vice versa)
- Minimum 4.5:1 for body text
- 3:1 for large text and graphics

## Typography in Infographics

**Hierarchy**
- Headline: Bold, large (48-72pt)
- Section headers: Bold, medium (24-36pt)
- Body text: Regular, readable (14-18pt)
- Captions: Small (10-12pt)

**Fonts**
- Maximum 2 font families
- Sans-serif for data and labels
- Serif optional for headlines
- Avoid script/decorative fonts

**Readability**
- Short lines (40-60 characters)
- Generous line spacing (1.5)
- Left-aligned (not centered)
- No all-caps for paragraphs

## Best Practices

- **Start with data**: Good design can't fix bad data
- **Tell a story**: Have a beginning, middle, end
- **Know your audience**: Complexity level should match
- **One key message**: What's the main takeaway?
- **Use real numbers**: Avoid vague "many" or "most"
- **Cite sources**: Build credibility
- **Test with users**: Does it make sense at a glance?
- **Mobile-friendly**: Most will view on phones
- **High contrast**: Works in bad lighting/small screens
- **Accessible**: Color isn't only indicator
- **Shareable size**: Optimize for social platforms
- **Include attribution**: Logo, website, date

## Dimensions for Different Platforms

**Social Media**
- Instagram post: 1080x1080px (square)
- Instagram story: 1080x1920px (vertical)
- Pinterest: 1000x1500px (2:3 ratio)
- Facebook: 1200x630px
- Twitter: 1200x675px
- LinkedIn: 1200x627px

**Blog/Website**
- Featured image: 1200x630px
- In-content: 800px width max
- Full-width: 1920px width

**Print**
- Letter size: 8.5x11" at 300 DPI
- A4: 210x297mm at 300 DPI
- Poster: Various, 150-300 DPI

**Presentation**
- Slide: 1920x1080px (16:9)
- Portrait display: 1080x1920px

## Deliverables Format

```
INFOGRAPHIC SPECIFICATION
Topic: [Subject]
Type: [Statistical/Process/Comparison/Educational]
Platform: [Social/Blog/Print/Presentation]

DATA SUMMARY
- Key stat 1: [Number] - [Context]
- Key stat 2: [Number] - [Context]
- Key stat 3: [Number] - [Context]
Main insight: [One sentence takeaway]
Source: [Data source and date]

STRUCTURE

Headline: "[Attention-grabbing title]"
Subheading: "[Supporting context]"

Section 1: [Name]
- Visualization type: Bar chart
- Data: [Specific numbers]
- Insight: [What it means]

Section 2: [Name]
- Visualization type: Pie chart
- Data: [Specific numbers]
- Insight: [What it means]

Section 3: [Name]
- Visualization type: Icons with numbers
- Data: [Specific numbers]
- Insight: [What it means]

Conclusion: "[Key takeaway or CTA]"

VISUAL DESIGN

Colors:
- Primary: [Brand color] - Main data points
- Secondary: [Brand color] - Supporting data
- Accent: [Color] - Highlights
- Background: [Light/White]
- Text: [Dark gray/Black]

Typography:
- Headline: [Font] Bold 64pt
- Headers: [Font] SemiBold 32pt
- Body: [Font] Regular 18pt
- Labels: [Font] Regular 14pt

Icons: [Style - outlined/filled/flat]

Layout: [Portrait/Square/Landscape]

Dimensions: 1080x1920px (Instagram Story)

CONTENT

Headline: "78% of marketers say infographics are effective"

Stat 1: 78% - Marketers who use infographics
Stat 2: 65% - Increase in engagement with visuals
Stat 3: 3x - More shares than text-only posts

Supporting text:
- "Visual content is 40x more likely to be shared"
- "Infographics increase web traffic by 12%"

Call-to-action: "Start creating visual content today"

Attribution: "Data: Content Marketing Institute 2023 | YourBrand.com"

MIDJOURNEY PROMPTS (if applicable)

For decorative elements:
"[Relevant illustration style prompt]"

EXPORT SPECIFICATIONS

Format: PNG with transparency
Resolution: 300 DPI (print) / 72 DPI (web)
Color mode: RGB (digital) / CMYK (print)
File size: Under 2MB for social media

USAGE NOTES
- Post to Instagram Stories with link sticker
- Share on LinkedIn with data discussion
- Embed in blog post about [topic]
- Include in email newsletter
- Add to presentation deck slide 5
```

## Tools Integration

- Use **color-palette-generator** skill for color schemes
- Use **typography-advisor** skill for font choices
- Use **Midjourney** for custom illustrations and icons
- Use **layout-designer** skill for composition
- Use **ui-builder** skill if creating interactive infographics

## Common Chart Types Guide

| Chart Type | Best For | Avoid For |
|------------|----------|-----------|
| Bar Chart | Comparing categories | Trends over time |
| Line Chart | Trends, changes over time | Comparing categories |
| Pie Chart | Parts of a whole (max 6 slices) | Precise comparisons |
| Scatter Plot | Relationships between variables | Simple comparisons |
| Area Chart | Volume over time | Exact values |
| Funnel Chart | Process with stages | General comparisons |
| Bubble Chart | 3 variables | Simple data |
| Heatmap | Patterns in large datasets | Small datasets |

## Common Requests

**Marketing stats**: Bar charts + big numbers + social-friendly format
**Company timeline**: Vertical timeline with milestones and icons
**Product comparison**: Side-by-side table with checkmarks
**How-to guide**: Numbered steps with icons and brief text
**Survey results**: Mix of pie charts and bar charts with percentages
**Industry trends**: Line graphs with annotations