You probably had a reason for creating your infographic–likely a worthwhile one. You wanted it to outshine all the others out there. You wanted to find the most persuasive and visually striking way to tell your story.

So why isn’t your infographic turning out the way you intended? Could it be that it has some dreaded infographic design mistakes hidden within it?

Keep reading for tips to avoid making these mistakes and ensure that your infographics connect with users!

1. Breaking the ‘Rule of Thirds’

This rule suggests that an image should be split into nine equal sections to border the focal point of the image. To avoid breaking this rule, maintain even proportions between picture and text, and use baseline grids to keep elements aligned.

Ensure that the text and images are visually connected and appear cohesive. Lastly, pay attention to page margin size and spacing between elements, as too much whitespace can decrease the impact.

2. Color Blocking and Visual Hierarchy

Well-chosen and balanced color blocking can make great infographics, but the wrong blocks can make an infographic difficult to interpret. To avoid common mistakes, aim to create a story using colors and an aesthetically pleasing aesthetic.

Use shades and intensities of the same colors to create a strong visual statement and focus on creating simple shapes and blocks that create a clear visual path for readers.

For maximum impact, pick two or three different infographic colors to establish an overarching color palette and to make sure your color blocks are divided harmoniously. 

3. Not Utilizing White Space Enough

Unused white space does more than just provide visual relief. it helps users focus on the key features of the design. An infographic cluttered with text and visuals is not only overwhelming but can undermine the message.

To easily fix this, designers should use an appropriate amount of white space to break up sections. Doing so allows readers to make a clear distinction between the elements of the design while also helping lead their eyes in the desired direction.

4. Unreadable Fonts and Text Size

To ensure user-friendliness, a clear, legible font style should be used to best display the information. It’s also important to keep text sizes consistent so that readers can quickly scan the content.

Using too small of fonts for infographics size can become unreadable, thus resulting in a decrease in engagement. To ensure all the text is visible to all users, stick to a font size between 10 and 14 points.

5. Unrealistic Representation of Data

By being mindful of the consequences of making these mistakes, designers can ensure that their visuals are accurate and honest. To avoid unfair representation of data, designers should always use the most accurate data available.

Pay close attention to how it is presented. Ensure that data points are accurate and proportional to each other within the visual and provide sufficient context for each of the points. Finally, when in doubt, review how to make an infographic critically to ensure it portrays a fair representation of the data.

Learn to Avoid Common Infographic Design Mistakes Starting Today

Overall, it is important to always keep in mind both the aesthetic and informational aspects of your infographic. Be aware of common infographic design mistakes and keep communication with the viewer in mind when creating your design.

Reworking and editing an infographic can help to create a cohesive design that delivers the desired outcomes. Act now by considering these mistakes when designing your infographics.

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