JRN 440 Adv. Online Journalism Infographics

1. JRN 440Adv. Online JournalismInfographics Wednesday, 2/29/12

2. Class Objectives • Drop Ex, 4 and 5 • Lecture • Infographics • Introduce Project 2 • Homework • Project 2 due by 2:05 pm 3/21/12 • Reading: Rubel, 2011

3. Informational Graphics/ Infographics • Information graphics are visual representations of information, data or knowledge. used where complex information needs to be explained quickly and clearly. • Examples • http://actualobjects.com/collections/ • http://www.webdesigndev.com/inspiration/15-beautiful-examples-of-infographics-for-your-inspiration

4. Informational Graphics/ Infographics • Examples • http://www.noupe.com/how-tos/creative-examples-of-infographics.html • http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2011/10/14/the-dos-and-donts-of-infographic-design/

5. Alignment • Goal is to NOT place anything arbitrarily on the page • Every item should have a visual connection with something else on the page • Can do with forced visual alignment (such as with text) or with invisible alignment (the viewer fills in the alignment on his/her own… enough design elements present that allow this)

6. Alignment in an infographic is very important!

7. Alignment within AI • To create guides • Show your rulers (<View <Show Rulers) • Pull guides from them • To make the guides editable, <View <Guides < Lock Guides • To snap to the guides, Ctrl + U • Move objects with black arrow/selection tool • To align objects to each other, select <Window <Align

8. Proximity • Position related items together • Make them appear as a cohesive group rather than fighting for individual attention • Implies closeness or relationship of items • Also allows for easier understanding of items • Think of a menu- all appetizers are in one area, all entrees in another • Is a tool that let’s you control where the eye goes and the stopping and starting of the reading

9. Proximity • Don’t create relationships with elements that don't belong together. If they're not related, move them apart from each other. • Avoid even a split second of confusion over whether a headline, a subhead, a caption, a graphic, etc., belongs with its related material.

10. Proximity within infographics • Because of unique shape of images, proximity teaches the viewer which elements are related to each other (http://www.newsdesigner.com/archives/002197.php)

11. Shape • Definition of Shape = any element used to give or determine form • Shapes have meaning • Whether you consciously think about this or not • An icon is a shape that is somewhat known on a global level • Wing Ding font 4zsd • A box is a shape that means formality more so than an oval or circle • A product may brand itself by a unique shape • Think about Absolut Vodka Advertisements • http://www.absolutad.org/

12. Shapes in infographics

13. Balance • Symmetry= Equal number of elements • Draw a visual line down the middle of your design and put the same number of elements to left right/ above and below • Static/Inactive Balance = centering on all sides Creates a sense of stability and calmness • Keeps eye in a general location

14. Balance • Asymmetry= Non-equal number of elements • Dynamic Balance = Off center alignment • How to get? • Can be non-equal in number • Or two equivalent but different subjects • Forces your eye around and through a composition; Creates tension in image

15. Stable balance within infographics • Strong central visual focus on one dominant image

16. Balance within AI • Determine what kind of balance and symmetry you want • Use guides to divide your design into thirds, or quads • For central point, draw one vertical guide and one horizontal guide; use the alignment box and select your guides and align to artboard, and then horizontally and vertically align them