3 Tips for Creating Nonprofit Infographics

Over the years that we’ve spent helping a lot of different clients put data at the heart of their brands, and there are 3 key things we’ve learned that I believe are essential to doing so effectively. Here they are:

1. Focus on the Why, Then the How

Seems pretty simple, but when you see how many DataViz tools there are to choose from: Google Charts, Highcharts, InfoVis Toolkit, Mapbox, and everything in-between—you quickly realize the potential for DataViz disasters that throw every bell and whistle at you. But the “how” of bringing DataViz to life is actually the easiest choice.

Like any design challenge, what’s important in data visualization is to focus first on the why: really understanding what’s meaningful to audiences in the data, how it’s meaningful to the brand, then focusing exclusively on just that. It’s formally known as eliminating the Chartjunk. By first boiling things down to what’s really essential, you’re in a much better position to start thinking about which tool will be the best fit to bring it to life.

2. Avoid Unnecessary Illustration

As Edward Tufte says, “Kill the Frills and Get to the Point.” But with today’s infographic overload, it’s gotten to the point where any illustration with icons and numbers is called an “infographic”—when more often than not it’s something really stupid. Others get so deep in the weeds, it’s hard to understand what they’re trying to say. What’s worse, pretty straightforward data design has become so overwrought with illustration, it gets in the way of understanding the data. Take the example below, touted in this article that I find to be mostly off the mark.

We should be able to understand the answer to this very simple question in seconds. Instead, I’m distracted by a poor attempt at meaningless decoration and beautification. Good data visualization should simplify things to speed understanding. Too often, decoration and beautification get in the way by emphasizing style over substance. Focus on the essential and strip away the fluff as these excellent examples do, the goal isn’t to get your inner Picasso on.

3. Make Data Design Part of Your Brand.

For financial services companies and policy & advocacy nonprofits in particular, clear data is essential to effectively communicating with the audience. And for these brands, it usually involves lots of analysts or research experts plugging away in Excel or proprietary software, crunching numbers and turning them into good old-fashioned charts and graphs. Too often, however, companies drop their data into critical communications like pitchbooks and policy reports, settling for whatever look the system they’re using spits out.

But if you’re a brand that adds value with financial analysis and research, or by creating clarity around public policy, the data is one of the most important parts of your brand. It’s what convinces audiences of the merit of your insights. Relying on generic system-generated data design to make your case is an unquestioned fail. Brand standards exist for a reason, and making data, even if it’s “boring” charts and graphs, a carefully executed part of the brand is essential to reflect the expertise and value your brand stands for. Doing otherwise just undermines your credibility.

We’re awash in data these days. Design’s job is to make good sense of it. By focusing on what’s essential to your audience and your brand, not only will you more effectively make your case, you’ll also have a greater impact.

Since 2000, Matthew Schwartz Design Studio (MSDS) in New York City has specialized in supporting nonprofits and game-changing businesses, applying their Cause-Driven Design® practice to create integrated brand strategy and design that increases their positive impact in the world.