A Practical Guide to Graphics Reporting

CHAPTERFIVE

Designing Information Graphics

 

Actually composing an information graphic – putting all of the pieces together in a rhythmic, orderly, interesting design – is equal in importance to writing the text and creating the main illustrations. In fact, the design of the graphic can have a direct impact on an audience’s ability to follow the information that is presented in an efficient and logical manner. Design can also affect the level of meaning and understanding an audience will take away from the graphic. Thus, understanding how to compose/design an information graphic is paramount to a graphics reporter’s ability to succeed.

Basic design principles have been studied and implemented since the days of the ancient Roman and Greek architects, ...