The approach to visualize information into graphic design

Introduction
The 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.
4

Content
.introduction .............................................................
1. an overview of information graphic
what is information graphic
P.3
.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
P.6
P.6
P.8
P.10
P.12
P.14
P.16
P.19
P.20
. pictogram ...........................................................
P.22
P.34
P.35
3.summery .................................................................
4.bibilography .............................................................
6

1
AN OVERVIEW
OF
INFORMATION
GRAPHIC
What 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.
7

1 2
3
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
8

1 2
Attractive Clear
9
The principle and criteria of
information graphic
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 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.

3 4 5
Simple Flow Wordless
10
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.

1 2
11
The principle and criteria of
information graphic
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 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.
A
constructed
story
Efficiency

12
3 4
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

13
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
2
1. Ikea instruction manual 2.“Soyuz vs Shuttle“, Chiqui Esteban,2009
14

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.
1. “The Sony Timeline”, Jesus Diaz , 2009 2.“resume of Nakiki.Chi”, Tracy Hsu Hsuan-Chi, 2012
15
1
2

1 2
3
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
16

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.
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.
17

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 )
1 2
1. “Average hours of sleep by adults in the US“, NY Times, 2011 2. “Who’s Really Opting In?“ Grant Landram, 2011
18

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.
19

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 2
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.
20

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.
2
1
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.)
21

Sometimes the pictogram still needs text to explain due to the message is too complex. (photo taken in France.)
22

CASE STUDY 2
Case 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.
23

Case study
Sailor Moon studies
The Sailor Moon studies around four catalogues:
Character feature
Story and profile
Colour
Personality
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
24

TChaes ety spteusd yof information graphic
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
1. Changing room and cloak room 2.Stands 3.Cosplay zone
2
3
25

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 5
4. Dressing room 5. information and Nurse teacher
26

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.
Toilet/ female&male
27

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.
Stage
28

Case study
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.
1
2
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“.
29

Examine by the criteria
1 2 3
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.
The pictures which were taken on the event.
By the united shape and
simple lines in each
pictogram, it has provides
clear message to the
audiences.
A
constructed
story
Efficiency Simple
and
clear
33

4
Bring
aesthetic
feeling
By the feedback of the
client which are all Sailor
Moon manic, the
pictogram has well
impacted to fans.
The pictures which were taken on the event.
34

3
SUMMERY
Summery
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.
35

BIBLIOGRAPHY 4
Bibliography
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].
36

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.
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木村博之 (2012). 設計的邏輯. Taiwan: 旗標出版股份有限公司.
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37

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
38

The approach to visualize information into graphic design

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