December’s challenge was a straightforward one: create and share an infographic that draws the reader in and inspires action. We were thrilled to see 28 people rise to the challenge in our budding SWD community! Our goal with moving the monthly SWDchallenge to the community site is to have a place for people to practice in a low-risk environment and get thoughtful input from each other. It is so exciting to see the interaction and conversations that are happening—thank you to everyone who both contributed and provided feedback to others. Let’s continue this positive momentum!

We introduced this challenge by defining a spectrum of infographics: from fluffy, clip-art images to visualizations that inform and incite action. Within this broad mandate of “make an infographic,” creators were truly able to play with the boundaries of data visualization. In the following, we’ve summarized some of our observations and standout entries from this challenge.

One common theme was the usage of maps, which can play several roles in an infographic: they can get our attention (we seem to be drawn to maps, the way we are drawn to circles and bright colors); they can help us to create a frame of reference for the rest of the visual; and they can convey data in their own right. From a readability standpoint, maps can present a challenge, since their axes are already predetermined. Both the X and Y axes are dedicated to describing the geographic position of elements in the map. This means adding additional data layers—either by overlaying marks on the map or by coloring elements of the map to denote specific measures appropriate for those elements—can easily make the visual crowded and complex.

Several submissions utilized maps effectively by including them as part of a larger infographic:

Kate (A Plume Looms From Bethpage) opted for a single, dominant map as the primary visual element of the infographic, but annotated it with other images, illustrations, tables, and text to provide a rich understanding of the subject.
Dennis (Utrecht) utilized multiple maps and images to chain together ideas and insights across the infographic.
Liz (The Netherlands) used a map almost as an icon, and the look and feel of the infographic that followed matched the tone set by the initial map.
Caitlin’s (The Hyde Amendment) map served as an interactive tool.
Claire (International Statistic of the Year: Life Expectancy) included a map of the world, to show global differences, but minimized it in size compared to a panel of line charts, which were much better suited to show differences in fine detail.

Stepping back, good infographics—and explanatory dataviz as a whole—tell a story. They aren’t simply a collection of facts on a given topic, but rather create an experience. Here are some great techniques we saw employed:

Draw the reader in. Copley (Shakespeare by the numbers), Stela (solar system) and Klaudia (reading differences) each used hand-drawn sketches for an accessible and friendly tone, while Mike (DUI arrests in the NBA) created a comic book feel. Since these topics are not life-and-death, there is leeway for a light and breezy graphic style that can feel inviting to the audience.

Make it easy to navigate via thoughtful design. Dennis (Utrecht) utilized connectors, Mike (What did we read?) employed prompts and questions, Barbara (Madmen) and Lisa (Stonehenge) provided a numerical hierarchy and Graeme (Manchester) and Simon (Tiger Woods) used lines and color blocks. All of the above techniques are effective at enabling the reader to navigate the visual effectively.

Include a clear call to action: Pris (sharks) and Claire (life expectancy) provided a narrative flow and calls to action by highlighting the tension in their respective subjects.

You can see all 28 submissions in the SWD community. As you browse entries, we encourage you to participate by leaving comments and adding datapoints to work you enjoy.

Before we sign off to enjoy the January 2020 challenge (small multiples, which runs through the end of the month), we’d like to highlight some overall SWD challenge superstars:

Adam Green is the current leader in all-time participation (with 10 challenges completed in 2019 and all 12 in 2018)—incredible work, Adam!
Kate McKerlie met her goal of completing every single monthly challenge in 2019—way to go!
Pris Lam completed a 9-month streak in December—hurray!
Simon Rowe completed an 8-month streak in December—congrats!

Congratulations to these folks, as well as to those who participated in December for the first time, and, well, everyone who took part! We’re excited to see what you all come up with this month. See you in the community!