3 tips to create better infographics, faster (and cheaper)

Infographics remain among the most shareable content formats on social media. They’re also perfect for anything from white papers and articles to reports and sales brochures.

Here are three ideas to boost the quality and quantity of your data visualizations:

1. Don’t run from “chart junk.” Chart junk is a term coined by information design godfather Edward Tufte to decry anything in a visualization that isn’t data or wholly dedicated to explaining the data (such as axis lines or labels).

These extra elements can include illustrations and icons. One study even showed that placing an image behind a chart can reduce understanding of the data being displayed. Yet other research asserts that charts containing chart junk are just as informative.

What to do?

“Throw out the rules,” says data visualization instructor and Beehive Media founder Bill Shander. “Think instead about what’s best for your particular audience, and apply design principles you believe will work for them.”