Regardless of whether you are displaying data or information, using visuals or just using text, design is always important!
Visual presentation elements apply to text-based documents as well as images. Examples include:
Ready made templates
When in doubt, use the ready made templates in Word (see below). These have been designed with the Visual Presentation Elements in mind and cover a wide range of different formats.
Visual elements in Word
The Styles box on the home tab of Word along with the Design tab are below useful in creating cohesive documents. Check out lynda.com for formatting advice for specific document types in Word.
Unless you have created the images yourself, you will need to:
Check out the Copyright LibGuide for more info and to find a list of websites that offer free images resources
Icons made by Freepik from www.flaticon.com is licensed by CC 3.0 BY
Icons made by Gregor Cresnar from www.flaticon.com is licensed by CC 3.0 BY
Icons made by monkik from www.flaticon.com is licensed by CC 3.0 BY
Icons made by Pause08 from www.flaticon.com is licensed by CC 3.0 BY
Charts
The Data Visualisation Catalogue describes a large range of visualisation methods and charts. Each method has an accompanying video and links to tools/software. You can also search the list by function.
Misrepresentation
Resources
Online Chart Tool
Highcharts
Good Charts by Infographics
Combining illustrations, facts, and text, infographics often tell a visual story. When designed effectively, infographics communicate a subjective narrative or overview of a topic using illustration to drive visual storytelling. As infographics convey multiple ideas, you should design for visual appeal and overall reader comprehension.
What is the difference between infographics & data visualization? (2013) Retrieved from https://killervisualstrategies.com/blog/data-visualization-versus-infographics.html
Types of infographics
Different types of infographics can be combined & linked in the one infographic; e.g. related smaller graphs, charts along with an image. Be careful not to overuse infographics; having page after page of infographics would lessen it’s impact.
Information is beautiful by Have a clear message!
Infographics, like all visual presentations, need a clear message. To achieve to clarity make sure you plan! Here is a concise guide to planning your infographic, along with links to additional resources: https://www.businesspundit.com/guide-to-infographics/