2026-02-21 AC2 - Exploring methods to create an Inforgraphic

Quick recap

In this class session, Brian taught students about creating infographics, specifically focusing on a 5-step process for developing information graphics using design tools like Illustrator and Photoshop. He demonstrated how to collect data, select appropriate chart types, find visual opportunities, establish themes, and gather design resources. Rather than conducting the planned class activity, Brian announced that students would instead document their infographic creation process in digital notebooks and submit links to those notebooks along with their final assignments by March 1st. He also explained that the next class would focus on infographics in architecture, which would be covered in the Monday session.

Next steps

• All students: Begin working on the infographic assignment by selecting two paragraphs to summarize as a single infographic, following the 5-step process described (collect information, select chart type, find visual opportunities, choose theme, search for design resources).

• All students: Document the entire infographic creation process, including ideas, sketches, chosen charts, themes, and resources, in their digital notebook and save all relevant materials there.

• All students: Submit a link to their digital notebook along with the completed infographic by Sunday, March 1st, ensuring the notebook shows the progression of ideas and steps as per the instructor's requirements.

• All students: Attend the next class on Monday for the "Infographics in Architecture" lecture.

Summary

Infographic Assignment Preparation Session

The meeting focused on the infographic assignment for Advanced Computing 2, where students are tasked with summarizing two paragraphs into a single infographic using any tool they choose. Brian provided tips on creating infographics, introducing a 5-step process and an advanced method for more experienced users. He assumed participants already had basic skills in Illustrator and Photoshop from a previous course, DDM, and emphasized focusing on high-level concepts in this module. The session aimed to prepare students for the assignment, with Brian addressing technical issues and ensuring participants could see his screen for visual guidance.

Infographics Design and Tools Overview

Brian led a discussion on creating infographics, emphasizing the importance of organizing information before designing. He explained the process of selecting appropriate charts and graphics, using examples like a tree to represent growth. Brian introduced several tools and websites for creating and finding graphics, including Google Images and a chart types website. He encouraged students to explore these resources and bookmark them for future use.

Creative Data Visualization Techniques

Brian discussed the use of sunburst charts and infographics, emphasizing the importance of creativity in visualizing data. He explained how to collect and organize information, including converting qualitative data into quantitative forms. Brian also highlighted the need to select appropriate diagrams based on the data and suggested looking for visual opportunities to represent information effectively.

Creative Data Visualization Techniques

The team discussed creative ways to represent data using visual charts, focusing on pie charts and icon-based designs. Domonique suggested using icons like a palm tree for resort businesses and a game controller for entertainment, with color coding and percentages to illustrate data. Brian sketched ideas to visualize the concept, emphasizing the importance of finding creative visual opportunities rather than relying on simple Excel charts. The discussion explored alternative chart types, such as a split shape, to effectively represent data in an infographic style.

Mastering Infographic Design Techniques

Brian discussed the process of creating infographics, emphasizing the importance of visual creativity and the need to go beyond simple data representation. He explained the steps involved, including sketching ideas, identifying themes, and finding inspiration from existing designs. Brian also highlighted the value of expanding initial ideas through theme exploration and the technical skills required to bring these concepts to life using various graphic design tools.

Creating Editable Infographics Step-by-Step

Brian guided the class through the process of creating infographics, emphasizing the importance of finding a theme and gathering design resources. He demonstrated how to manipulate data in Google Sheets and use programs like Illustrator to create editable vector graphics. Brian suggested using a digital notebook to organize ideas and progress, encouraging students to sketch and ideate before finalizing their designs. He also introduced websites like The Noun Project and FreePic for finding icons and images. The class was instructed to start working on their assignments using these steps and to share links to their digital notebooks for review.

Infographic Assignment Deadline Extension

Brian agreed to allow students to submit their infographic assignment links by Sunday, March 1st, instead of completing the in-class activity or moving it to Monday. He explained that the assignment must include documentation of the thought process and steps shown in class, including screenshots of referenced charts and ideas. Brian emphasized that students should use the infographics skills in their upcoming study tour presentations and confirmed that the next class on Monday would focus on infographics in architecture, though without class activities.

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