Training

What is an infographic?

An infographic describes a theme or story using a combination of elements to replace what otherwise might be fairly lengthy text.  You can use infographics to succinctly convey complex information in posters, presentations, social media posts and media releases. Infographics usually include a combination of elements, such as:

• brief text
• illustrations
• icons
• data visualisation

What makes an effective infographic?

A good infographic

• makes it easy to understand the information displayed, compare values and construct a story from that information
• uses visual elements to clarify and inform rather than simply decorate
• balances graphical interest with the need to inform, persuade, teach or prompt action

Tools for creating infographics

There are many free and subscription online tools for creating infographics using templates which can simplify the design process.

You can also use Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and other desktop apps which may give you greater control over colours, images, layout and other elements.

Accessibility

To ensure your infographic is fully accessible, consider the following:

• Include alt-text for all visual elements.
• Use appropriate colour contrast and font style.
• Consider providing a downloadable text alternative that presents the same information that is in the infographic.

Copyright

Remember to consider copyright when using third-party images or graphics to create an infographic.  The Library has support on finding and using images, and also how to licence your infographic so others may use it if you like.

There are many tools available for creating and editing videos.  LinkedIn Learning has a wide range of video tutorials on planning and producing videos, and on professional presentation techniques.  Try searching for specific software, or for more general guidance on video presentation.

Visualise Your Thesis (VYT)

Visualise Your Thesis (VYT) is a competition format developed by the University of Melbourne, and now run at many universities. Participants produce a 60 second video which represents their research to a non-expert audience. 

Although RMIT does not yet run a VYT competition, you might find these resources useful for the developing skills needed to communicate succinctly and effectively with public audiences in an audio-visual format.