How to Analyze Data Visualizations & Infographics
Adapted from Nicole Edwards - Education for Democracy in a Digital Age (EDDA). Retrieved on January 1, 2018 from http://eddaoakland.org/analyzing-and-creating-infographics/
A Data Visualization is a series of images and data that conveys a message to a particular
target audience. This often uses statistics, research, colours, images, and other visual techniques to reinforce the significance of the
information and message. (top left)
Infographics are similar to data visualizations as they employ the same strategies, but are
typically longer and string together more ideas/data. (bottom right, left)
Interactive Visualizations allow people to manipulate and explore more information by
rolling the curser over specific areas of the graphic
Both media products convey important information to various target groups, but do so in a quick, easy to read fashion by people of various ages, educations, and cultures.
Analyzing Data Visualizations
While there are many things to consider when creating or analyzing data visualizations, focus on the following:
Element of the Data Visualization
Key Look-Fors and Analytical Questions
Context + First Impressions
When creating the graphic text, creators need to be conscientious of these questions as a means of anticipating the viewer’s reaction and engaging them with the content.
Scan the whole text up and down what is the first impression you got from the text?
What are the first things you noticed?
What mood/feeling was created by colours, fonts, and the layout?
The Story
Stories are a great tool for engaging your audience as they can connect on so many levels, and most importantly, empathize with the message being presented.
What is the main issue presented? What is the message society needs to hear?
Use the title, images, and headings to help you identify the purpose, and a target audience
What are the key points in the text? You should be able to list 3-4 key points that develop the story of the text
How is the story created? Look at the words used, images, colours, headings, and other visuals to clarify details of the story/message
The Data
All good data visualizations present data that properly cites credible sources, and develops the story of the text.
What data is presented? This could come in the form or numbers, words, images, or some combination of them.
What purpose does the data serve? What key points are being developed through this data? How does it do this and why are they relevant?
Where is the information from? Is this a credible and reliable source?
The Strategy and Design
The text layout is ALWAYS strategic as to develop the message/story using particular sequences of data and visuals.
Pay close attention to HOW the story is created
What information comes first? What is the purpose of this? Word choice?
How do size and/or font contribute to which data is more important?
How does colour outline the importance of the data? The message/story?
How do charts/graphs reinforce the message? Why types are used and why?
Is the data visualization created for a particular target audience? How is it structured for that group?
Is there a balance between images, colours, numbers, etc?
Creating Data Visualizations
Answer the following questions when creating data visualizations.
Element Guiding Questions
First Impressions
What impression do you want to make on the viewer?
How will you set the mood/feeling using images, structure, colours, word, numbers, etc?
What are the first three things you want the reader to see and why? 1.
2.
3.
The Story
What is your primary message? 1.
Title for your data visualization?
What are the main points (should have 3+) 1.
2.
3.
The Data
What data is going to be used?
How does the data develop the primary message/story?
What is the supporting data for each of the main points?
Have you found and listed your sources?
The Strategy and Layout
What colours will you use?
Who is your target audience and HOW will you design it for them? Interactive vs. visual?
What colours, fonts, images, types of charts etc.… will you use for each main point and supporting details? (list the details and supporting details below and how you will be create them)
Main Point 1 - 1. 2.
Main Point 2 - 1.
2.
Main Point 1 - 1.
Resources
https://datavizcatalogue.com/
o Explains various types of charts and graphs found in data visualizations and what purpose they serve
https://piktochart.com/
o Make your own infographics
https://www.easel.ly/
o Make your own infographics
Google the terms “national geographic infographics” OR “data visualizations” OR “infographics”
Data Visualization Analysis/Creation Rubric
Curriculum & Expectations Level
Student accurately outlines the main ideas are clear, and uses purposeful data/examples to support it
Meaning is developed through purposeful examples, and implications of the data as it affects people (student, community, society) are analyzed effectively
Student recognizes bias, and factors it into the message
If creating, then add:
Research is complete, and credible, relevant sources are used and cited appropriately
B1. Reading for Meaning: read and demonstrate an understanding of a variety of informational, literary, and graphic texts, using a range of strategies to construct meaning
Specific examples of characteristics of DVs, literary devices, diction choice, and other stylistic elements are used to communicate the main idea
Student accurately reads and understands the text, and uses the context to infer meaning of words and phrases
If creating, then add:
Student purposefully completes research, and uses data to develop main ideas
B2. Understanding Form and Style: recognize a variety of text forms, text features, and stylistic elements and demonstrate understanding of how they help communicate meaning
B3. Reading with Fluency: use knowledge of words and cueing systems to read fluently
Student demonstrates knowledge of the media text and the intended message/story
Message is clearly articulated in their analysis, and identifies purpose for target audience
Student justifies whether or not message was created effectively or not
Responses outline how the DV contributes to society (people, the community, the student)
If creating, then add:
Students purposefully chooses the appropriate media text to convey message (infographic, DV, Interactive), and justifies choice
D1. Understanding Media Texts: demonstrate an understanding of a variety of media texts
Student effectively analyzes how codes and conventions of DV contribute to the meaning of the text (i.e. colours, layout, words/numbers, images, etc)
Aspects of Strategy/Design are effectively analyzed as it develops the main idea
If creating, then add:
Student effectively selects codes and conventions that are appropriate/purposeful to convey their message
Writing/Communication Rubric
Curriculum & Expectations Level
Main idea and support details are accurately and effectively communicated in analysis/creation of DV
Supporting details are gathered and developed with the target audience in mind
C1. Developing and Organizing Content: generate, gather, and organize ideas and information to write for an intended purpose and audience
Student is structured in their analysis, and purposefully uses the stylistic elements to create meaning
C2. Using Knowledge of Form and Style: draft and revise their writing, using a variety of informational, literary, and graphic forms and stylistic elements appropriate for the purpose and audience
Tone is appropriate for the purpose of the DV
DV uses spelling and grammar effectively (no errors or slang, correct use of commas and periods, etc)
Feedback is used to enhance the final product – analysis or creation
