Creating infographics for industry surveys is an essential skill that helps present complex data in a visually engaging and easily digestible format. Infographics allow survey findings to be understood quickly by a wide audience, from executives and managers to clients and the general public. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the steps, best practices, and tools necessary to create effective infographics for industry surveys. The guide will cover understanding your data, defining your audience, selecting the right type of infographic, designing the layout, and using the best tools for creating impactful visuals.
1. Understanding Your Data
Before diving into the design of an infographic, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of the data you are working with. Industry survey data often includes both quantitative and qualitative findings, which may consist of percentages, averages, trends, and open-ended responses.
I. Review the Survey Results
Carefully examine the survey data to determine the most important points. Look for patterns, trends, and insights that could help tell a compelling story. Identify key statistics, such as:
- Overall percentages (e.g., 65% of respondents prefer a particular product feature)
- Comparisons (e.g., 2020 vs. 2025 results)
- Geographic, demographic, or market segment breakdowns
- Qualitative insights that can be summarized or quoted
ii. Focus on the Key Messages
You want your infographic to communicate key insights in a straightforward manner. Choose the most relevant statistics or findings that align with the purpose of the survey and the interests of your target audience. Resist the temptation to include all of the data; prioritize the insights that provide the most value.
iii. Segment Data for Different Audiences
Different audiences will have different needs. For example, industry executives may care more about trends, while marketing teams may focus on consumer preferences. Tailoring the focus of your infographic to meet the expectations of your intended audience ensures that the data remains relevant.
2. Defining Your Audience
Knowing your audience is crucial to creating an infographic that resonates with them. Depending on who will view the infographic, the design, language, and data presentation can vary significantly.
i. Identify the Primary Audience
For an industry survey, the primary audience might include stakeholders, company leaders, investors, or industry experts. These individuals are often interested in high-level insights that have strategic implications.
ii. Consider Secondary Audiences
Secondary audiences could include consumers, employees, or the general public, who may need more digestible, straightforward representations of the data. In these cases, clarity and accessibility take priority.
iii. Understand Audience Expectations
Different audiences expect different levels of detail. Industry professionals may expect in-depth analysis, while consumers may only need high-level insights. Make sure to present your findings in a way that addresses these varying needs.
3. Selecting the Right Type of Infographic
Infographics come in various formats, each suited to different types of information. Choosing the right type of infographic is essential for effectively conveying the survey results.
i. Statistical Infographics
Statistical infographics are perfect for surveys that feature large quantities of numerical data. They focus on presenting statistics and figures clearly. Common elements include pie charts, bar graphs, and percentage breakdowns.
Best for: Showing survey results, market shares, or comparisons.
ii. Informational Infographics
These are ideal for providing step-by-step processes or general summaries of survey findings. They typically combine text, visuals, and icons to break down complex information into smaller, digestible parts.
Best for: Explaining survey methodology, timeline, or step-by-step insights.
iii. Timeline Infographics
If the survey tracks trends over time, a timeline infographic could be a good option. This type of infographic is effective for illustrating changes or progressions in data.
Best for: Demonstrating changes over time or comparing trends in survey responses over multiple periods.
iv. Comparison Infographics
If the survey compares different categories, groups, or time periods, a comparison infographic helps highlight these differences clearly. This format often uses side-by-side visual comparisons (e.g., two pie charts or bar graphs).
Best for: Comparing multiple variables, such as regional differences or generational preferences.
v. Geographical Infographics
For surveys with geographical data (e.g., responses segmented by region or country), geographical infographics use maps and icons to illustrate findings. These are helpful for showing regional trends.
Best for: Survey results segmented by geography.
4. Designing the Layout
Once you’ve selected the type of infographic, it’s time to focus on the design layout. A well-organized, visually appealing infographic ensures that your data is easy to digest. Here’s how to design an effective layout:
i. Create a Hierarchy
Structure your infographic with a clear hierarchy of information. Start with the most important insight or headline, followed by supporting data. Use size, color, and placement to guide the viewer’s eye through the infographic.
- Headline: Place the key takeaway or insight at the top to grab attention.
- Supporting Data: Present secondary insights below the main message.
- Visuals: Use charts, graphs, and icons to illustrate the data.
ii. Keep It Simple and Focused
Avoid cluttering the infographic with too much data. Keep it visually clean by focusing on the key points. Use whitespace effectively to prevent the design from feeling overcrowded.
iii. Use Colors Wisely
Colors are a powerful tool for conveying information, but they must be used thoughtfully. Use colors to highlight key points, differentiate between categories, and guide the viewer’s eye. Make sure the colors align with the branding or theme of the survey, and ensure there’s enough contrast for readability.
iv. Typography
Use clear, legible fonts and avoid using too many different types of fonts. Stick to two or three fonts maximum—one for headings and one for body text. Ensure that the font sizes are appropriate for different sections of the infographic, with larger text for headlines and smaller text for explanatory details.
v. Consistency in Design
Consistency is crucial for readability. Ensure that charts, graphs, and icons are all designed using a consistent style. Stick to the same color palette, icons, and graph types throughout the infographic to create a unified look.
5. Incorporating Data Visualization
Data visualization is the key component of an infographic. The goal is to transform complex data into visual forms that are easy to understand. Here are some tips for choosing the right data visualizations:
i. Pie Charts
Pie charts are ideal for showing proportions and percentages. For example, you can use a pie chart to illustrate how respondents answered a multiple-choice question.
Use for: Displaying the relative percentage of each category.
ii. Bar Graphs
Bar graphs are great for comparing quantities across categories. You might use a bar graph to compare the preferences of different demographic groups or the growth of various market segments.
Use for: Comparing different groups or time periods.
iii. Line Charts
Line charts are ideal for showing trends over time. If your survey includes data collected at different time points, a line chart helps visualize the changes.
Use for: Demonstrating trends over time.
iv. Icons and Illustrations
Icons and simple illustrations can represent abstract ideas or qualitative data. For example, you can use an icon of a dollar sign to represent financial responses or a smartphone icon for questions related to technology use.
Use for: Representing qualitative insights or adding visual interest.
v. Tables
While infographics are generally more visual, tables can be useful for displaying raw data in a compact and accessible way. Ensure the table is simple, and use color coding to make it easier to interpret.
Use for: Displaying raw numerical data when necessary.
6. Choosing Tools for Infographic Creation
Creating infographics involves using design software or online tools. Several platforms allow you to create professional-quality infographics without extensive design experience.
i. Canva
Canva is a user-friendly tool with templates specifically designed for creating infographics. It provides a wide range of icons, images, and charts that you can use to represent your survey data visually.
ii. Adobe Illustrator
For those with more design experience, Adobe Illustrator offers robust features for creating custom infographics. It allows for complete control over every design element, from typography to color schemes.
iii. Piktochart
Piktochart is another popular tool for infographic creation. It offers templates and customization options, including interactive features and a variety of charting tools to make data visualization easier.
iv. Venngage
Venngage is a drag-and-drop infographic maker that provides templates, icons, and charts for creating high-quality infographics. It’s ideal for non-designers who want to create compelling visuals.
7. Final Touches and Distribution
Once your infographic is complete, it’s important to check it for errors. Proofread the text to ensure there are no mistakes in the data or wording. Also, make sure the design is consistent and polished.
i. Optimize for Different Platforms
Depending on where you intend to share your infographic (social media, websites, emails), make sure it is sized appropriately. For social media platforms, ensure the infographic is formatted for easy sharing, such as making it vertical for Instagram or square for Twitter.
ii. Add a Call to Action
If the infographic is part of a larger campaign or report, include a call to action (CTA). This could be an invitation to download the full report, contact your company, or engage with the content further.
iii. Track Engagement
If you’re sharing the infographic online, track its performance. Monitor how many people are viewing, sharing, or commenting on it to gauge its effectiveness.
Conclusion
Creating an infographic for an industry survey is a strategic way to communicate complex data in a compelling and easy-to-understand format. By understanding your data, defining your audience, choosing the right infographic type, focusing on design principles, and selecting the appropriate tools, you can create an infographic that not only conveys your survey insights but also engages and informs your audience. Infographics are an essential tool in the modern information landscape, and when done right, they can make survey results much more accessible and impactful.