Using Infographics is a great way to impart complex or voluminous information you need to explain quickly and clearly.
Infographics are visual representations of information, data or knowledge. Basically, they’re pictures or graphs with words and numbers highlighting key points. Infographics can quickly be scanned for information instead of read word for word.
At Obu Interactive we’re working with designers on CrowdSpring and 99 Designs to learn more about the process of designing infographics.
Here’s some of what we’ve learned about the six-step process so far:
Step 1. Set an amount to award the winning designer.
The prize to be awarded to the winning designer can range from $299 to $2,000. Typically speaking, the more money you offer, the more excited designers are about entering your contest and the more designs you’ll receive to choose from. Our department offered $299. We should have offered around $500 though, because not enough designers entered our contest. Luckily, those who did are among the best.
Step 2. Compile a brief of what you want designed.
Include statistics you would like displayed and examples of infographics you like. We used Visually to find examples and many other look and feel details. The more information you can provide to the designer, the clearer he or she will be about how to provide what you want.
Step 3. Find designers.
This is the most important part of the design process. The key is to find the designers that you want−not to wait for them to find you.
Search contest sites for designers whose portfolios you like. Then message them and/or invite them to your contest.
This is a time-consuming process, but it’s necessary. For best results, it’s worthwhile to invite 20+ designers to the contest. (Note: We had a lot of designers reply saying they would need more time than the contest allotted to respond. So it makes sense to send invitations as far in advance as possible.)
Step 4. Sit back and let the designs trickle in.
Now that you’ve done all the legwork, it’s time to watch the designs trickle in. Most will arrive at the end of the contest−right before the bell. Don’t be discouraged if you haven’t received too many designs before then.
Step 5. Offer feedback.
Once the contest deadline has passed, you will have several designers competing for the final prize. Offer each of them feedback, and give them a couple more days to make any revisions.
Step 6. Choose your winner!
The last step of the process is to choose your winner! At this point, you should have a design that you especially like. If you’re lucky, you might have a few. If so, message each designer and build a relationship with him or her. Now that you know what the designers are capable of, the next time you need to design an infographic, all you’ll need to do is email them!
Voila! A sure-fire way to find infographic designers for your business!
Proof is in the pudding. Using the process described above, our designers created the infographics below. One illustrates drowning accidents information, and another illustrates birth control side effects. Check them out and let us know what you think!
Examples of Our Infographics
