166 THE POWER OF VISUAL STORYTELLING TIPS for Designing Infographics 1. Data matters. Data and research quality designed horizontally or in both formats are of the utmost importance and should to increase the infographic’s sharewor- be carefully selected when considering an thiness across social media platforms. infographic. It’s important that all data Pinterest, for example, favors vertical or research displayed in an infographic be infographics, but a horizontal infographic clearly disclosed and cited. Without solid can work better on Facebook through data or research to back up your points, the highlighting or cover photo features. you shouldn’t go down the path of mak- 4. Design elements. For content, factors like ing an infographic. typography, colors, and visuals bring the 2. Developing a storyboard. When starting data to life. The right typography, or text, the process of creating an infographic, can make or break the visual experience. it’s recommended that a storyboard be It’s also important to have a snappy title created to determine the layout and that attracts attention. Color selection information flow. Parse the key data is also incredibly important. It’s recom- points and how they can be shaped into mended to avoid a white background a larger, impactful message. If the story and to avoid dominant dark colors and you’re trying to tell doesn’t resonate neons when possible. When in doubt, at this stage, it’s not going to make a less is more in the color department, and good infographic. Good stories have a using three well-selected colors works beginning, middle, and an end, all of very well. If you need to use more, add- which should be communicated in an ing different shades of those three colors infographic. will complement the look and feel. 3. Format and layout. Once you have your It’s also important to pay attention storyboard set, consider the best way to to the design elements incorporated in format it. Sites Visual.ly and Infogr.am the information flow. In order to most offer free tools to help you think through resonate with the viewers, make the how to design an infographic. While most key hook or takeaway of your info- infographics are vertical, they can also be graphic pop, and place it at the center