Infographics to Develop Graphical Literacy
Debra Hydorn · 2022
Tools for easily creating infographics are widely available, both online and through statistics, mathematics, and other programs. Determining the appropriate graphs to produce for different kinds of data is an important skill for students at all levels to learn, as is determining the best graph for a specific audience. With the increased availability of data comes the increased expectation that researchers in all disciplines can effectively communicate their findings to a wide range of audiences. Experts in graphical design have defined aspects of “graphical excellence,” but the effectiveness of graphically portrayed information depends a great deal on the needs and abilities of the intended audience. To create effective graphs, students not only need to be familiar with tools for creating graphs, they also need to be familiar with the communication, cognitive, and aesthetic principles associated with infographic design.