Infographic Data Summarizer

When to use this skill

• User asks to create infographic content

• User needs data visualization summaries

• User wants statistics formatted visually

• User mentions chart or graph selection

• User needs research distilled for visuals

Workflow

• Extract key data points

• Identify main insight

• Structure visual hierarchy

• Suggest chart types

• Write supporting copy

• Create design brief

Instructions

Step 1: Data Source Analysis

Data source types:

Source Extraction Approach

Research report Key findings, statistics, conclusions

Survey results Top responses, percentages, trends

Article/blog Statistics cited, main claims

Dataset (CSV) Summarize, find outliers, trends

Case study Before/after metrics, results

Industry report Market size, growth, forecasts

Data extraction template:

Data Extraction: [Source Title]

Source: [URL or document name] Date published: [Date] Credibility: [High/Medium/Low]

Raw Data Points

Key Findings

1. [Finding with specific number]
2. [Finding with specific number]
3. [Finding with specific number]

Quotable Stat

"[Most compelling statistic in sentence form]"

Step 2: Data Prioritization

Statistic selection criteria:

Criteria Priority

Surprising or counterintuitive High

Large percentage or growth High

Directly relevant to audience High

Comparison/contrast Medium

Supporting detail Low

Common knowledge Skip

Priority matrix:

Data Priority

Hero Stat (1)

[The single most compelling/shareable statistic]

Primary Stats (2-3)

1. [Supporting major insight]
2. [Supporting major insight]
3. [Supporting major insight]

Secondary Stats (3-5)

1. [Adds context]
2. [Adds context]
3. [Adds context]

Discard

• [Not compelling enough]
• [Too complex to visualize]

Step 3: Visual Hierarchy Structure

Infographic anatomy:

Infographic Structure

Header Section

• Title: [Attention-grabbing headline]
• Subtitle: [Context or scope]
• Source logo: [If featuring research partner]

Hero Section

• Big number: [Hero statistic]
• Supporting text: [1-sentence context]
• Icon/illustration: [Visual representation]

Body Sections (3-5)

Section 1: [Theme]

• Subhead: [Section title]
• Stat: [Number or percentage]
• Visual: [Chart type or icon]
• Caption: [Brief explanation]

Section 2: [Theme]

[Repeat format]

Section 3: [Theme]

[Repeat format]

Footer Section

• Call-to-action: [What to do next]
• Source citation: [Where data came from]
• Branding: [Logo, URL, social handles]

Step 4: Chart Type Selection

Chart selection guide:

Data Type Best Chart When to Use

Parts of whole Pie/donut Max 5 segments, percentages

Comparison Bar chart Comparing categories

Ranking Horizontal bar Ordered list, top 10

Change over time Line chart Trends, time series

Relationship Scatter plot Correlation between variables

Distribution Histogram Frequency, ranges

Flow/process Flowchart Steps, decisions

Geographic Map Location-based data

Proportion Icon array X out of Y representation

Progress Progress bar Completion, goals

Chart alternatives:

Instead of Consider Why

Pie chart (6+ slices) Horizontal bar Easier to compare

3D charts 2D flat More accurate perception

Dual-axis line Two separate charts Less confusing

Dense data table Highlighted key rows Scannable

Visual metaphors:

Concept Visual Approach

Growth Upward arrows, stacked bars

Speed Speedometer, racing imagery

Money Coins, bills, dollar signs

Time Clocks, calendars, timelines

People Icon figures, silhouettes

Comparison Side-by-side, vs. graphics

Step 5: Copy Elements

Headline formulas:

Formula Example

[Number] + [Noun] + [Action/Result] "5 Habits That Double Productivity"

The State of [Topic] in [Year] "The State of Remote Work in 2026"

[Question]? "Where Does Your Time Really Go?"

[X] vs [Y]: [Comparison] "Millennials vs Gen Z: Spending Habits"

What [Number] [People] Taught Us "What 1,000 Marketers Taught Us About AI"

The [Adjective] Guide to [Topic] "The Visual Guide to Sleep Science"

Section headlines:

Section Headline Patterns

• [Number] + Key Insight: "73% prefer remote work"
• Question format: "Who's adopting AI fastest?"
• Comparison: "Then vs Now"
• Action verb: "How teams are adapting"
• Time-based: "The rise of [trend] since 2020"

Caption writing:

Element Max Length Purpose

Section head 5-7 words Introduce the insight

Stat label 2-4 words Name what's measured

Caption 10-15 words Explain significance

Source note N/A Credit data origin

Step 6: Infographic Types

Type selection:

Type Best For Structure

Statistical Data-heavy research Hero stat + supporting data

Timeline History, evolution Chronological events

Process How-to, steps Sequential flow

Comparison Versus, pros/cons Two columns

Geographic Regional data Map-based

List Tips, facts Numbered or bulleted

Anatomical Breakdown, parts Labeled diagram

Flowchart Decisions, paths Branching structure

Format dimensions:

Platform Dimensions Aspect Ratio

Pinterest 1000 x 1500px 2:3 vertical

Blog/article 800 x 2000px Long vertical

Social share 1200 x 1200px Square

Presentation 1920 x 1080px 16:9 landscape

Print 8.5 x 11" (300dpi) Letter vertical

Step 7: Data Visualization Best Practices

Do's and don'ts:

Do Don't

Start bar charts at zero Truncate axes to exaggerate

Use consistent colors Rainbow every section

Label directly on chart Rely only on legends

Round numbers (73%, not 72.8%) Use false precision

Show data source Present unsourced claims

Use white space Crowd every element

Color usage:

Purpose Approach

Highlight Use accent color for key stat

Categories Distinct but harmonious palette

Comparison Two contrasting colors

Sequential Light to dark gradient

Positive/negative Green/red or blue/orange

Accessibility:

Requirement Implementation

Color blind safe Use patterns + colors

Text contrast 4.5:1 minimum ratio

Font size Minimum 12pt for body

Alt text Describe data and insights

Step 8: Design Brief Template

Brief for designer:

Infographic Design Brief

Overview

Title: [Infographic title] Topic: [Subject matter] Goal: [What action should viewers take] Audience: [Who this is for] Dimensions: [Size and orientation] Brand: [Style guide or brand to follow]

Content Hierarchy

Header

• Title: "[Headline]"
• Subtitle: "[Subtitle]"

Hero Section

• Big number: [XX%]
• Context: "[One-sentence explanation]"
• Visual: [Icon/illustration suggestion]

Section 1: [Title]

• Stat: [XX]
• Chart type: [Recommended chart]
• Data: [Values to visualize]
• Caption: "[Explanation]"

Section 2: [Title]

[Repeat format]

Section 3: [Title]

[Repeat format]

Footer

• CTA: "[Action text]"
• CTA link: [URL]
• Source: "[Data source with date]"
• Logo: [Brand logo placement]

Visual Notes

• Color palette: [Hex codes or brand colors]
• Style: [Modern/playful/corporate/minimal]
• Icons: [Style preference]
• Avoid: [Any restrictions]

Files Needed

• Web version (PNG)
• Social version (1:1)
• Print version (PDF)
• Editable source file

Step 9: Social Media Versions

Platform adaptations:

Social Snippets

Instagram/LinkedIn (1080x1080)

Headline: [Shortened title] Hero stat: [Big number] 2-3 supporting stats: [Key points] CTA: "Full infographic in bio" / "See more →"

Twitter/X (1200x675)

Headline: [Shortened title] 1-2 key stats: [Most shareable] Visual: Cropped hero section

Pinterest (1000x1500)

Use full infographic or top half with "Pin for later" messaging

Stories (1080x1920)

Split into slides:

1. Hook/title
2. Hero stat
3. Section 1
4. Section 2
5. CTA

Step 10: Source Citation

Citation format:

Data Sources

Primary source: [Organization Name], "[Report/Study Title]," [Year]. [URL]

Additional sources:

• [Source 2 with link]
• [Source 3 with link]

Data collection: [Brief methodology if relevant]

Citation placement:

Location Format

Footer "Source: [Organization], [Year]"

Per-stat Superscript number with footnote

Separate panel "Data sources" section

Output Format

Infographic Summary: [Title]

Overview

Topic: [Subject] Data sources: [Count] sources Target audience: [Who] Format: [Type and dimensions]

Headline

Title: [Main headline] Subtitle: [Supporting context]

Hero Statistic

Number: [XX%] Label: [What it measures] Context: [Why it matters] Visual suggestion: [Chart/icon type]

Supporting Sections

Section 1: [Theme]

Stat: [Number] Chart type: [Recommendation] Data points: [Values] Caption: [Explanation]

Section 2: [Theme]

[Repeat format]

Section 3: [Theme]

[Repeat format]

Call-to-Action

Text: [CTA copy] Link: [URL]

Sources

[Full citations]

Design Brief

[Complete brief for designer]

Social Adaptations

[Platform-specific versions]

Validation

Before completing:

• Hero stat is compelling and accurate

• All statistics have sources

• Numbers are rounded appropriately

• Chart types match data types

• Visual hierarchy is clear

• Copy is concise (under word limits)

• CTA is included

• Accessibility considered

• Multiple format sizes provided

Error Handling

• No clear data: Ask for specific statistics, survey results, or research to work from.

• Data too complex: Simplify to 3-5 key insights; suggest detailed report for rest.

• No source provided: Request original source; note if data is unverified.

• Conflicting data: Present most recent or most credible source; note discrepancy.

• Data not visual: Recommend list-style infographic or icon-based representation.

Resources

• Canva Infographic Maker - Free design templates

• Piktochart - Infographic creator

• Venngage - Business infographic tool

• Data Wrapper - Chart creation

• Coolors - Color palette generator