Infographics, Making Data Talk.

Thoughts by Sascha Mombartz

Week 1

Theory & Thinking

Lecture

The class will get started with a brief introduction and a look at Data Visualization from a historical and conceptual standpoint. We will then explore the elements and building blocks and finish up with a few examples and look into what makes and breaks good Information graphics.

Reading

Explore

Homework

Due Monday September 16
  • Find and analyze two infographics, they can be good or bad.
  • Also start thinking about what you would like your infographic: What's the story? Who is the audience? How are you going to make it?
  • And assemble some info on yourself, your background, experience, what tools you know how to use and most importantly what you’d like to get out of this class. If you feel adventurous, make a small infographic about yourself.
Week 2

Tools & Technique

Lecture

The hardest part is starting. This week look into how to get started and the process from analyzing to implementing. We will also go over a few of the tools and techniques and how to get the best results.

Reading

Explore

Homework

Due Sunday September 22
  • Assemble your data and start sketching out a few ideas on how you could represent the information. Use Google Spreadsheets for quick data analysis and sketch your concepts. If you feel confident with your sketches you can start assembling your data viz in Illustrator or Inkscape.
  • You’ll know that the idea is out of bounds when researching and collecting data becomes overwhelming and your idea is to sparse when your sketches don’t reveal anything interesting.
Week 3

Practice & Production

Lecture

This week we’ll go through creating an infographic from scratch to finish. I’ll show you my process, how I use the tools, make decisions and add some polish.

Reading

Explore

Homework

Due Sunday September 29
  • Its time to make it real! You’ll now take your idea and sketches to a more polished and refined version. Think about the overall frame that will hold together your visuals and typography, find appropriate colors and make sure to cite your sources. Deliverable is an exported PDF.
  • You can use Keynote or Powerpoint to package your infographic and give the class and me some context for the infographic: where it will live, why you made certain decisions and what your intentions are. This will help us get an inside view and give you the best possible feedback.
Week 4

Interaction & Intuition

Lecture

This week we’ll get to the real juicy stuff: interactivity! We’ll look at a bunch of examples, discuss how interactivity can benefit them and briefly dive into how they are made and the technology behind them.

Reading

Explore

Interactive

Motion

Homework

Due Sunday October 6th
  • If you’re still not happy with where your Infographic is now is your last chance to get it together and nail it. If you think that interactivity is going to make your piece shine, thats what you’ll have to do. Find an appropriate tool that will let you add the right interactivity.