8 Common Infographic Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Want to create infographics that grab attention and convey information effectively? Here's what you need to know:

1. Data Display Errors: Use correct scales and appropriate chart types
2. Poor Information Order: Organize content logically with clear focus points
3. Design Mismatches: Maintain consistent style and fonts
4. Information Overload: Keep text concise and graphics simple
5. Technical Issues: Ensure high image quality and device compatibility
6. Accessibility Problems: Use readable colors/fonts and mobile-friendly design
7. Messy Layouts: Utilize grids and white space for clean organization
8. Lack of Visual Hierarchy: Guide viewers' attention with size and color

Quick Comparison:

Mistake	Impact	Solution
Wrong data display	Misleads viewers	Use proper scales and charts
Bad info order	Confuses message	Create logical flow
Design clashes	Looks unprofessional	Keep style consistent
Too much info	Overwhelms readers	Focus on key points
Tech problems	Reduces credibility	Use high-quality images
Poor accessibility	Excludes users	Optimize for all devices

By avoiding these mistakes, you'll create infographics that inform and engage your audience effectively. Remember: keep it simple, accurate, and visually appealing.

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Data Display Mistakes

Creating infographics isn't just about making things look pretty. How you show your data can make or break your message. Let's look at some common mistakes and how to fix them.

Wrong Scales and Sizes

Messing up scales and sizes is a big no-no. It can make your data look wrong and hurt your credibility.

Take bubble charts, for example. The size of each bubble MUST match the numbers they represent. If you're not careful, you might accidentally make some data points look bigger or smaller than they should be.

To get it right:

• Always double-check your measurements and scales
• Make sure your graphics match your data values
• Use a y-axis that starts at zero to show trends correctly

Picking the Wrong Charts

Using the wrong type of chart can leave your audience confused. Here's a quick guide to help you out:

What You're Showing	Chart to Use
Comparing stuff	Bar charts
Changes over time	Line charts
Parts of a whole	Pie charts (but only for 2-3 things)
How things relate	Scatter plots
Where things are	Maps

Keep it simple. Scott Berinato from Harvard Business Review says:

"Don't bend things. Don't make charts 3D. It's no good. I don't know why [software] still lets us do this. It's silly."

Using AI Tools for Better Data

AI can be a big help in making accurate and effective infographics. Tools like Text to Infographic can improve how you show your data.

These AI tools can:

• Pick the right chart type based on your data
• Make sure everything is scaled correctly
• Suggest colors that make your data easy to read

But don't just trust the AI. Always check the results to make sure they match what you're trying to say and show your data correctly.

Poor Information Order

Creating an infographic isn't just slapping graphics and data together. How you organize that info can make or break your message. Let's look at two common mistakes and how to fix them.

Messy Layouts

A cluttered infographic is like a messy room. It's tough to focus on what matters. When you cram too much into your design, you'll leave your audience feeling lost.

What happens with messy layouts?

• People can't find the important stuff
• Your message gets buried
• Viewers give up and move on

Want to keep things clean? Here's how:

Use a grid to organize your elements. Give your content some breathing room with white space. Group related info using shapes and lines. And stick to a simple, consistent design.

Simki Dutta, Content Marketer at Venngage, nails it:

"You can't plaster some text and visuals together and call it an infographic."

Missing Focus Points

Without clear focus points, your audience's eyes will wander. They might miss the crucial bits or fail to get your main point.

How do you guide your viewers' attention? Here's a quick comparison:

Do This	Not This
Use clear visual hierarchy	Make everything the same size
Highlight key data points	Hide important info in text
Create a logical flow	Scatter data randomly
Use contrasting colors for emphasis	Stick to one color

Your goal? Tell a visual story. The LibraryAware Team puts it well:

"Your goal is to communicate a lot of data in a simple, easy-to-understand way."

To nail this:

Pick out your most important data. Make these stand out with size, color, and positioning. Create a clear path for the eye to follow (think Z or F pattern). And use arrows or lines to connect related info.

Design Mismatches

Ever seen an infographic that looks like a visual train wreck? That's what happens when design elements clash. Let's look at two big offenders: mixed styles and font fiascos.

Mixed Design Styles

When your infographic looks like a mishmash of random elements, you've got a problem. It's like wearing a tuxedo top with board shorts - it just doesn't work.

Here's how to keep your visuals in sync:

Pick a theme that fits your brand and topic. If you're doing a tech infographic, don't throw in hand-drawn doodles.

Create a style guide. List your elements (titles, body text, captions) and give each consistent colors and fonts.

Use templates. Tools like Canva or Visme offer infographic templates to keep your look consistent.

Simki Dutta from Venngage nails it:

"Consistency and uniformity are the secrets to a strong visual language."

Font Problems

Typography can make or break your infographic. Use the wrong fonts, and you might as well be writing in hieroglyphics.

Here's a quick guide to avoid font fails:

Do This	Not This
Use 2-3 font types max	Turn your infographic into a font catalog
Choose fonts that work well together	Mix serifs and sans-serifs randomly
Ensure readability across devices	Pick fancy fonts that look cool but are hard to read

Simon Garfield, author of "Just My Type", puts it well:

"Fonts can either enhance the message or get in its way."

To nail your font game:

Pick fonts that match your brand and topic. Use font hierarchy (bigger for headers, smaller for body text). Test your infographic on different screens to ensure readability.

And here's a pro tip: Avoid overused fonts like Comic Sans or Papyrus. They're the cargo shorts of the font world - practical, but not exactly stylish.

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Too Much Information

Packing for a trip and creating an infographic have a lot in common. You want just enough - not your entire closet. Let's dive into keeping your infographic lean and punchy.

Too Much Text

Ever tried to read a novel on a postage stamp? That's what a text-heavy infographic feels like. Here's how to trim it down:

Focus on key points. Use a clean design that highlights main ideas with numbers and graphics. Let your content breathe with white space. It'll look cleaner and less cluttered. And swap out text for icons where you can - it saves space and looks better.

Charles Gibbons from SMFA Tufts nails it:

"The best infographics tell clear, compelling stories about relationships in our world - relationships that might otherwise remain invisible."

To nail that clarity:

• Know your audience inside out
• Double-check your facts, even the obvious ones
• Give context to your data
• Show measurable quantities in, well, measured ways

Your goal? Communicate loads of data in a simple, easy-to-digest way. Here's a quick look at text use in infographics:

Do This	Not This
Snappy headlines	Long-winded titles
Key stats and figures	Walls of explanation
Bullet points	Text blocks
Simple language	Jargon-fest

Hard-to-Read Graphics

Overly complex graphics can turn your infographic from helpful to headache-inducing. Keep it clear:

Simplify your data viz. Stick to 2D charts and graphs - they're easier to grasp quickly. Guide the viewer's eye with a clear visual hierarchy. And don't go crazy with colors. A few that work well together is all you need.

Edward Tufte, the info design guru, puts it perfectly:

"In information design, less is almost always more - more communicative, more meaningful, more powerful."

Put it into action:

Cut unnecessary visual fluff. Make your text work hard - choose labels carefully and place them strategically. Use contrasting colors for emphasis, but don't go overboard.

Technical Mistakes

Creating a stunning infographic is one thing. Making sure it looks great everywhere? That's another challenge. Let's look at some common technical issues and how to fix them.

Image Quality Issues

Ever seen a blurry mess instead of a crisp infographic? That's what happens when you ignore image quality. Here's how to keep things sharp:

Use Case	Resolution	Format
Web	72 ppi	PNG
Print	300 dpi	TIFF
Logo	Vector	SVG

Why these choices? PNG works great for web graphics with transparency. TIFF is best for high-quality print. And SVG? It's perfect for logos that need to scale without losing sharpness.

Ruben Stom, a seasoned designer, says:

"By following these steps, you can effectively troubleshoot and fix pixelated images in Adobe InDesign."

His tip? Keep image scaling at or below 100% to maintain quality and prevent pixelation. It's a simple trick that can save your infographic from looking amateurish.

Technical Tips

Want to create pro-level infographics? Try these insider tips:

1. Choose the right file type

PNG isn't just for web. It's great for infographics with text. The Kinsta Resource Center explains:

"For text in images, tutorial screenshots, and when you want signs or other fine elements to be 100% visible in a photo, PNG is the right format."

2. Mind your colors

Save images in CMYK for print and RGB for web. This ensures your colors look exactly as intended, whether on screen or paper.

3. Test on different devices

What looks great on your big monitor might be a mess on a smartphone. Always check your infographic on various devices and browsers.

4. Optimize for performance

Big files can slow down websites. Use tools like TinyPNG to compress images without losing quality.

5. Use vector graphics

For elements like icons or illustrations, go vector. They'll stay crisp no matter how much you resize them.

Technical excellence is what sets great infographics apart. As Dawn Bjork, a Microsoft Certified Trainer, puts it:

"Working with graphics and choosing the best graphic formats should now be much clearer and simpler with these time-saving tips."

Making Infographics for Everyone

Let's talk about creating infographics that work for everyone. It's not just a nice-to-have - it's a must-have. Here's how to make your visuals accessible to all users, no matter their abilities or devices.

Color and Text Readability

Bad color choices and tiny text can turn your infographic from helpful to headache-inducing. Here's how to keep things clear:

Contrast is key

Aim for a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for most text. Large text? You can get away with 3:1. Want to go above and beyond? Shoot for 7:1 to hit the highest WCAG compliance level.

Element	Minimum Contrast Ratio
Regular text	4.5:1
Large text	3:1
Important visual elements	3:1
WCAG AAA compliance	7:1

Don't rely on color alone

Here's a fact: 1 in 12 men and 1 in 200 women have trouble telling certain colors apart. Always use other visual cues alongside color.

Keep text easy to read

Pick fonts that are clear, especially on small screens. Avoid text so small that people need to squint or zoom.

As Benjamin Roussey, an accessibility expert, says:

"Making accessible infographics and data visualizations is a powerful way to reach more people and make sure everyone can use the information you're sharing."

Phone-Friendly Design

More people are looking at content on their phones, so your infographic needs to look good on all screen sizes. Here's how:

Use responsive design

Use responsive frameworks and CSS media queries to make your infographic adapt to different screen sizes and orientations.

Put the important stuff first

On smaller screens, start with a short, clear title and focus on the most important information. Think about designing for mobile first.

Keep visuals simple

Go for easy-to-understand charts like bar graphs and pie charts. They're easier to read without zooming in.

Check, check, and check again

Look at your infographic on different devices and screen sizes. This helps you spot any problems with how it looks or how easy it is to read before you publish.

Pro tip: Tools like Text to Infographic can help make mobile-friendly designs. Their AI system automatically adjusts layouts for different screen sizes, so your infographic looks great on both computers and phones.

Conclusion

Making great infographics isn't just about pretty pictures. It's about clearly showing complex ideas in a way that grabs attention. Let's go over the big mistakes to avoid and what to do next to make your infographics better.

Mistakes to Watch Out For

Here are the main things that can mess up your infographic:

Mistake	Problem	Solution
Wrong data display	Fools viewers	Use right scales and charts
Bad info order	Muddles the message	Make it flow, use clear visuals
Design clashes	Looks amateur	Keep style consistent, limit fonts
Too much info	Overwhelms readers	Focus on key points, use white space
Tech issues	Hurts trust	Use high-quality images, test everywhere
Not accessible	Leaves some people out	Use good contrast, make it mobile-friendly

What to Do Next

Want to make infographics that teach and inspire? Here's your game plan:

1. Get the basics down

Pick up "10 Steps to Creating an Infographic: A Practical Guide for Non-Designers". It's a simple way to learn how to make good infographics that have a clear point.

2. Plan it out

Dr. Stephanie B. Wilkerson, who knows a lot about infographics, says:

"Having a process for planning out and designing an infographic is incredibly useful."

Sketch out your idea first to get the story straight before you start designing.

3. Keep it simple

For web infographics, aim for 735 pixels wide and under 5,000 pixels long. This makes it easy for people to view and share.

4. Use data smart

Learn more about showing data. Check out guides on making common charts and graphs to really make your data pop.

5. Make it shareable

Add buttons for social sharing and make different sizes for different platforms. This can help your infographic reach way more people.

6. Test and fix

Before you put it out there, test your infographic on different devices and with different people. Use their feedback to make it clearer and better.