Infographics are visually appealing flyers that allow you to present different types of information, including data and research, in an easy-to-read and approachable way. This also can help make research findings accessible to broader audiences. For this assignment, you will create an infographic about a topic of your choosing. This assignment will allow you to get creative in terms of how you present relevant information about mass shootings in this nontraditional form.

Keep in mind that we live in an age where people seek to find out information quickly. Infographics allow you to "hit the high points" in terms of research findings, so be sure that you both synthesize and highlight the most important points on your topic. Although your infographic allows you to develop your own informed opinions about a particular topic, the conclusions you share with your audience still should be based on evidence (e.g., existing research or their website).

Getting Started

Here is an example infographic I created on Media Contagion and Mass Shootings. Notice how the format is long and skinny, the information is broken up into sections, and I used different fonts and graphics to highlight key pieces of information. Pretty cool, right?

Now check out a "bad" infographic version of the same information. What do you notice that is different between the two? Which one do you find to be more credible and informative? If you said the first one, you're correct! In addition to a more visually appealing layout, the "good" infographic contains information from reputable and credible sources, as indicated by the citations that are included.

There are a number of different platforms that you can use to create your infographic. For both examples, I used Canva, but you can also use Piktochart, Venngage, or Easelly. These programs are free to use (with limited features). Infographics also can be made using downloadable blank PowerPoint or Google Slide templates, but functionality will be a lot more limited as there are less built-in design tools.

Programs like Canva and Piktochart are helpful because they come preloaded with templates that you can use for inspiration. To access templates in Canva, for example, go to "Templates" and then choose "Infographic" (in the Marketing column). You can also go to "Create a Design" and then choose "Infographic," and the templates will be available in the graphic builder (on the left).

Before you get started on designing your infographic, poke around. Look for what you like (and what captures your attention) or what you don't like. Keep in mind as well that these templates also can be customized, so if you don't like something or want to change it up (e.g., the colors), you can easily do that! As you browse the available templates, check out how they use colors to emphasize key points or headings, as well as to differentiate sections. Colors also can be used to signify meaning, similar to how we associate green with "go" and red with "stop."

Below are a couple of video tutorials to help you kick off your project. The video on the left will help you understand how to use Canva. The video on the right has a tutorial for Venngage, but also some helpful information about the steps to take when planning and designing your infographic.

Requirements

You will create an infographic about a topic of your choosing related to mass shootings. It can be descriptive about the phenomenon (e.g., drawing from the policy brief you read in Week 2), focus on a specific case and its broader implications, look at a specific policy related to mass shootings (e.g., armed teachers, assault weapons ban), or highlight a specific organization doing work with survivors (e.g., The Rebels Project). You will want to choose something that can provide you with enough content to create a double-sided infographic.

To ensure you are on the right track, your topics must be emailed to me for approval no later than the end of Week 3.

This infographic is worth 10% of your course grade. Your score will be assessed based on the following criteria, as outlined below in further detail:

• Content

• Visual Appeal

• Use of Reputable Sources

• Images

• Format

Content

The content is easily the most important part of the infographic because it is the "info"! For your infographic, you should highlight what is know about your topic both generally and specifically. Your infographic must contain the following information:

1. A title

2. An overview of the topic

3. Three specific subtopics or key areas of information

4. A conclusion or takeaways section

5. References (see below)

There is no specific word length for your infographic, but there should be enough information that a reader with little-to-no background knowledge on the topic can understand the material you are presenting. Your writing style should be objective and neutral. Use third person language (no "I" statements), with the exception of the section on your initial opinion.

Visual Appeal

Choose cohesive colors and fonts to make the greatest visual impact with your infographic. You can use colors and fonts from a pre-designed template or customize it to your liking. Be sure that the fonts you use are legible (easy to read). With the exception of your references at the end of the infographic, do not use fonts smaller than 12 point. Keep in mind that infographics usually are printed and your reader would not be able to zoom in.

Larger, bold fonts should be used for headings. Whether using headings or different colors (or both!), your infographic should be organized into clearly delineated sections based on the major content areas. You also should ensure that your material is organized so that it flows logically for the reader.

Images

Images are a great way to share information in a visually appealing way and break up large amounts of content. Your infographic should include at least two visual images of some sort to enhance its appeal. This may be a photograph, icon, or clipart of some sort, but what you choose to include should be directly relevant to your topic. Canva does have some free clipart, stickers, and images, but some also require you to pay if you want to use them (they will be marked as Pro). You can, however, upload graphic files from outside sources, including Google Images or Unsplash.

Format

Infographics are typically vertical in format. Canva's template is set to 800 pixels wide by 2,000 pixels long (or 4.5 inches wide by 11 inches long), and these specs should be used for your infographic if using another program. (Note that the PowerPoint and Google Slide templates already are set to these measurements.) Your infographic should be one page using these dimensions.