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Research infographics have become a popular tool for research authors to communicate their findings in a concise and appealing way. They are an excellent way to present complex data and information in a visual format that is easy for the audience, both scientists and non-scientists, to understand. While this graphical presentation of types of research can speed up the rate at which information is processed, many researchers struggle with presenting their data through visuals. Thankfully, you don’t have to be a professional graphic designer to create engaging research infographics. In this article, we outline 8 key steps to creating an impressive research infographic that showcases your work effectively.
Key steps to create research infographics
1. Create a brief based on the objective
The first step in creating an impactful graphical presentation of types of research is to create a brief of what you want to convey. Understanding the kind of information to be conveyed will dictate the kind of template and visuals to be used for the research infographic. For example, presenting a new concept that is difficult to understand, outlining the methodology of your research, or sharing the impact of your research findings may necessitate the use of different kinds of templates that specifically works for the type of data or content you want to present as research infographics.
2. Define your intended target audience
When creating a research infographic, it is important to identify your intended audience and understand their knowledge about the concepts being presented. This enables you to choose the right kind of visual design and format that would be most appealing and relevant to them. As an example, research infographics for experts in your area of research would be vastly different from simpler graphical presentations for types of research meant for broader non-academic audiences.
3. Gather the data you need to tell a story
An effective research infographic tells a story and communicates your findings in a meaningful way. It is clear and concise, providing the audience with just enough information to set the context and guide them through the data and concepts being presented. The story you intend to convey should be relevant to your audience, so it is important to gather all the information required to communicate the key takeaways from your research.
4. Identify the right kind of visuals to use
When creating research infographics it is important to keep in mind that the visuals used must do more than just attract audiences. They must also help readers easily understand and remember the content of the research infographic. This makes it critical to select the right template, dimensions, and layout when creating graphical presentations for types of research depending on the amount and kind of content you need to share. Ensure the layout of your research infographic is well-organized, flows in a clear logical structure, and showcases your findings through appealing visuals.
5. Organize your data and add design elements
Having a clear narrative with a proper beginning and conclusion ensures the audience can quickly and correctly process the information in your research infographic. Ensure your data is up-to-date, organize it in easy-to-understand categories, and add design elements (arrows, lines, etc.) to highlight the flow of key messages effectively. Choose complementary colors and fonts that are easy to read; consider using icons, images, and visual aids like charts, graphs, and tables for different topics and graphical presentation of types of research. Remember, how you organize your findings and the design you choose play a significant role in how well your research infographic will be received.
6. Keep the design template clean and uncluttered
Regardless of the size of your research infographic, it is best to keep it simple, concise, and uncluttered. Keep in mind that research infographics are used to summarize specific concepts or findings and are not a substitute for a full research paper. Focus on the key takeaways and avoid overcrowding the design with too much information or complex data. An excessive use of icons, graphics, and word art can be distracting and will defeat the very purpose of creating a research infographic. Experts recommend using enough white space, three to five complementary colors, and a maximum of three font types in research infographics.
7. Craft a compelling title for the research infographic
Use the most impactful finding of the study to create an interesting title that immediately grabs the audience’s attention. When crafting a title for your research infographic, make sure it is specific, easy to understand, and resonates with readers. Experts suggest keeping the title concise (approximately 60-90 characters) and including strategic keywords to make the research infographic more discoverable on online search engines.
8. Double check content and layout to eliminate errors
Once you have the basic research infographic in place, edit and check the text and the visuals to identify and fix any content and style errors and inconsistencies. Do a detailed check for grammar and spellings and double-check the tables, graphs, and quantitative elements to ensure the data is represented correctly in the research infographic. Consider sharing it with peers, mentors, or representatives of your target audience and refining the research infographic based on their feedback before finalizing it.
If you’re struggling with visuals, don’t hesitate to convey complex concepts and large chunks of data into concise easy-to-understand graphical presentations of types of research. Just follow the simple steps mentioned above to start creating impressive research infographics that showcase your work effectively.
