My first attempt at an infographic:
Although I am familiar with graphs and figures from my day job, I have to admit I was not aware of the infographic explosion until this course (technology in the classroom). I certainly can recall graphs, maps, charts, and visual representations of data in the news. (Here are some sobering statistics.) However, I had no idea where to begin when we were asked to design an infographic about home-school communication. The first and only image that came to mind was a locked door--and the keys to open it. Not very original, but this simple visual meant that I could find the public domain images I needed on Creative Commons, and then draw together information from a number of sources to support my "point". Therein lies the problem. My infographic is offering some kind of advice, but not much insight. And the data that an infographic is supposed to help decipher was lacking. So: I thought I would go in search of an infographic that had the requisite visuals, content, and knowledge. Instead, it found me when I started using the news aggregator Zite and was fed the following:
Hi Debbie, I had some of the same thoughts about my infographic. It was really a challenge to actually connect the visuals to the data. Our case was a little different in that we didn't have "data" as much as we had the guidelines. I just got caught up in making mine pleasing visually. Thanks for sharing the one about social networking.
ReplyDeleteGreat find, Debbie!
ReplyDeleteThat infographic is a wake up call for anyone using social media. Data mining and identity theft are more reasons I am cagey about some of my personal information on the web. A long time ago, I suffered some personal blowback from something I had commented on using my real name. S Some new associates who didn't know anything about me, and found something I had said on the web that they did not agree with (and then picked a fight with me about it in real life). It was totally random that I happened to make that one comment, and then was found by those particular people. It took me a while to "bury" that info under other information about me.
On infographics, I agree that it is especially challenging to portray true insight through infographics. It's visually catchy, but does it really offer anything new? From what I've seen, the bar for inforgaphics may be only moderately high. The example you found does prompt some reflection.
Debbie,
ReplyDeleteGreat work on your inforgraphic! I think it is very cohesive. I also find it to be eye-catching, well organized, and hits some very important points about communication within a school environment. I agree with you that infographics are not easily designed with tons of insight and detailed information. I think that's were multi-media and links to other sites with more information are helpful. The trick is figuring out how to put it all together!
Debbie,
ReplyDeleteI think your first try at an infographic is great!!! I especially like the key theme. I think infographics have been around for a long time, but its just been since the advent of online tools that make everyone a arm chair graphic designer that (I think) they officially became "infographics". I think the best and most clever infographics are able to say a lot with just a little. This was very difficult for me, as I am way to wordy for words. But I found the tool really helped me try to zero in on what I was trying to get across and what was most important to convey. It was a tall order for me, and although I'm not sure if I succeeded, I at least think I got the concept.
Thanks, everyone, for your posts. I think we all agree that the art of an infographic is to convey a lot with a little (like a poem). It was a challenge. The funny thing is I didn't really notice infographics before, and now I seem to see them everywhere. I think they are a good starting point, but (as I mentioned in my next post) if I am interested in the topic, I prefer to read a text. (I like words, too, Bonnie!)
ReplyDeleteTo findingthelearningpoint: I agree that it is always better to err on the side of caution. Sorry about your experience....
All very interesting, especially the way San Fran chronicles (in writing :)) her path to infographics & her insights.
ReplyDeleteI, too, find San Fran's infographic to be informative and easy to understand. I like to define infographics in a more general way than Kathy Schrock, hence why I did not expect this project to be laden with statistics. I think starting simple with the use of graphic images to learn and teach is best...and hopefully you all will go on to use--and get your students to create- infographics that do communicate other types of 'hard' data.
Hasta luego..
La Professora