Error-Ridden Graphics: Eleven Blunders to Steer Clear of All Costs
In the digital age, infographics have become a popular way to present data and information in an engaging and visually appealing manner. However, creating effective infographics requires careful consideration and adherence to certain principles to ensure that the data is accurately represented and easily comprehensible for the reader.
One of the most common mistakes in infographic design is a lack of clear focus. Trying to include too much information overwhelms viewers and dilutes the main message, making it hard to remember key points. Inconsistent design elements, such as varied stroke widths, colours, or styles without a clear purpose, can confuse viewers and reduce readability, undermining visual cohesion.
Poor visual hierarchy and organization can also hinder the effectiveness of infographics. Without a clear structure, viewers don’t know where to focus; if everything appears equally important, nothing stands out. Incorrect use of axes, mislabeling or ordering axes improperly, can mislead viewers and distort data interpretation. Too many visuals or text elements create confusion and reduce comprehension.
Low-quality or outdated images, grainy photos or clip art, can diminish professionalism and distract from the message. Unreadable fonts or poor contrast, using fancy or pale fonts on light backgrounds, can impair readability, especially on screens or projectors. Overuse of animations or transitions can distract rather than enhance the message.
Creators should focus on a clear purpose and narrative, use consistent and high-quality design elements, ensure data is accurately represented and well-labeled, prioritize readability and visual hierarchy, and minimise clutter and unnecessary decoration.
Another issue that arises in infographic design is the misuse of certain chart types. For example, a bar chart is more appropriate when respondents were given a single choice, not a pie chart. Stacked columns on a map in infographics make it difficult to compare the size of each colour-coded bar segment. Pie charts with slices that do not add up to 100% can also misrepresent the data.
3D charts can skew data and make it difficult to make accurate comparisons. When presenting the results of a poll that allowed for more than one response, another type of chart should be used instead of a pie chart. Data should be arranged in an intuitive manner in infographics, such as pie charts in order of size or bar charts in order of value.
Avoiding these common pitfalls is essential in creating effective infographics. Boring and uninformative headlines can make an infographic less effective in grabbing the reader's attention, while too much information can make it difficult to understand at first glance.
A recent example of a chart attempting to defy the norm by turning the chart upside down was met with criticism, as it made it harder for the reader to comprehend the data. Inaccurate scales in charts can also distort the relationship between data sets, as seen in a chart ranking the U.S. last in treatable deaths both inside and outside of hospitals, which was later corrected to show that the U.S. ranks last in preventable deaths at hospitals, not overall.
Up to 95% of infographics from unknown sites have been found to distort the truth or lie, highlighting the importance of sourcing information from reputable sources. By adhering to these principles and avoiding common mistakes, creators can produce infographics that accurately represent data and effectively communicate information to their audience.
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