# Infographic Content Analysis Framework Deep analysis framework applying instructional design principles to infographic creation. ## Purpose Before creating an infographic, thoroughly analyze the source material to: - Understand the content at a deep level - Identify clear learning objectives for the viewer - Structure information for maximum clarity and retention - Match content to optimal layout×style combinations - Preserve all source data verbatim ## Instructional Design Mindset Approach content analysis as a **world-class instructional designer**: | Principle | Application | |-----------|-------------| | **Deep Understanding** | Read the entire document before analyzing any part | | **Learner-Centered** | Focus on what the viewer needs to understand | | **Visual Storytelling** | Use visuals to communicate, not just decorate | | **Cognitive Load** | Simplify complex ideas without losing accuracy | | **Data Integrity** | Never alter, summarize, or paraphrase source facts | ## Analysis Dimensions ### 1. Content Type Classification | Type | Characteristics | Best Layout | Best Style | |------|-----------------|-------------|------------| | **Timeline/History** | Sequential events, dates, progression | linear-progression | aged-academia, craft-handmade | | **Process/Tutorial** | Step-by-step instructions, how-to | linear-progression, winding-roadmap | ikea-manual, technical-schematic | | **Comparison** | A vs B, pros/cons, before-after | binary-comparison, comparison-matrix | corporate-memphis, swiss-style | | **Hierarchy** | Levels, priorities, pyramids | hierarchical-layers, tree-branching | corporate-memphis, technical-schematic | | **Relationships** | Connections, overlaps, influences | venn-diagram, hub-spoke | corporate-memphis, data-visualization | | **Data/Metrics** | Statistics, KPIs, measurements | dashboard, periodic-table | data-visualization, technical-schematic | | **Cycle/Loop** | Recurring processes, feedback loops | circular-flow, s-curve | technical-schematic, corporate-memphis | | **System/Structure** | Components, architecture, anatomy | structural-breakdown, isometric-tech-stack | technical-schematic, ikea-manual | | **Journey/Narrative** | Stories, user flows, milestones | winding-roadmap, story-mountain | storybook-watercolor, comic-strip | | **Overview/Summary** | Multiple topics, feature highlights | bento-grid, periodic-table | chalkboard, corporate-memphis | | **Problem/Solution** | Root cause, fix, before-after resolution | bridge, iceberg | corporate-memphis, swiss-style | | **Categories/Collection** | Grouped items, taxonomy, catalog entries | periodic-table, tile-layout | corporate-memphis, flat-design | | **Spatial/Geographic** | Maps, regions, location-based data | isometric-map, isometric-tech-stack | technical-schematic, data-visualization | | **Cross-functional/Workflow** | Multi-team processes, handoffs, lanes | swimlane, linear-progression | corporate-memphis, technical-schematic | | **Feature List/Catalog** | Product features, spec sheets, repeated units | modular-repetition, bento-grid | tech-brand, material-design | | **Single Concept Spotlight** | One idea, deep dive, hero message | single-focal-point, big-typography | minimalism, luxury-minimal | | **Dialogue/Q&A** | FAQ, interview, conversation format | speech-bubbles, character-guide | paper-collage, cartoon-flat | | **Discovery/Exploration** | Hidden layers, reveal, non-linear browsing | hidden-details, nonlinear-path | impressionism, pen-sketch | | **Network/Multi-center** | Distributed nodes, peer relationships | multi-focal, hub-spoke | data-visualization, technical-schematic | | **Report/Long-form** | Structured document, sections, executive summary | chapter-layout, f-pattern | swiss-style, corporate-memphis | | **Marketing/CTA** | Persuasion, call-to-action, brand message | z-pattern, tile-layout | tech-brand, corporate-memphis | ### 2. Learning Objective Identification Every infographic should have 1-3 clear learning objectives. **Good Learning Objectives**: - Specific and measurable - Focus on what the viewer will understand, not just see - Written from the viewer's perspective **Format**: "After viewing this infographic, the viewer will understand..." | Content Aspect | Objective Type | |----------------|----------------| | Core concept | "...what [topic] is and why it matters" | | Process | "...how to [accomplish something]" | | Comparison | "...the key differences between [A] and [B]" | | Relationships | "...how [elements] connect to each other" | | Data | "...the significance of [key statistics]" | ### 3. Audience Analysis | Factor | Questions | Impact | |--------|-----------|--------| | **Knowledge Level** | What do they already know? | Determines complexity depth | | **Context** | Why are they viewing this? | Determines emphasis points | | **Expectations** | What do they hope to learn? | Determines success criteria | | **Visual Preferences** | Professional, playful, technical? | Influences style choice | ### 4. Complexity Assessment | Level | Indicators | Layout Recommendation | |-------|------------|----------------------| | **Simple** (3-5 points) | Few main concepts, clear relationships | sparse layouts, single focus | | **Moderate** (6-8 points) | Multiple concepts, some relationships | balanced layouts, clear sections | | **Complex** (9+ points) | Many concepts, intricate relationships | dense layouts, multiple sections | ### 5. Visual Opportunity Mapping Identify what can be shown rather than told: | Content Element | Visual Treatment | |-----------------|------------------| | Numbers/Statistics | Large, highlighted numerals | | Comparisons | Side-by-side, split screen | | Processes | Arrows, numbered steps, flow | | Hierarchies | Pyramids, layers, size differences | | Relationships | Lines, connections, overlapping shapes | | Categories | Color coding, grouping, sections | | Timelines | Horizontal/vertical progression | | Quotes | Callout boxes, quotation marks | ### 6. Data Verbatim Extraction **Critical**: All factual information must be preserved exactly as written in the source. | Data Type | Handling Rule | |-----------|---------------| | **Statistics** | Copy exactly: "73%" not "about 70%" | | **Quotes** | Copy word-for-word with attribution | | **Names** | Preserve exact spelling | | **Dates** | Keep original format | | **Technical Terms** | Do not simplify or substitute | | **Lists** | Preserve order and wording | **Never**: - Round numbers - Paraphrase quotes - Substitute simpler words - Add implied information - Remove context that affects meaning ## Output Format Analysis results (`analysis.json`) must be in the following format: ```json { "title": "[Main topic title]", "topic": "[educational/technical/business/creative/etc.]", "data_type": "[timeline/hierarchy/comparison/process/etc.]", "complexity": "[simple/moderate/complex]", "point_count": "[number of main points]", "source_language": "[detected language]", "user_language": "[user's language]", "main_topic": "[1-2 sentence summary of what this content is about]", "learning_objectives": [ "[Primary objective]", "[Secondary objective]", "[Tertiary objective if applicable]" ], "target_audience": { "knowledge_level": "[Beginner/Intermediate/Expert]", "context": "[Why they're viewing this]", "expectations": "[What they hope to learn]" }, "content_type_analysis": { "data_structure": "[How information relates to itself]", "key_relationships": "[What connects to what]", "visual_opportunities": "[What can be shown rather than told]" }, "key_data_points_verbatim": [ "[Exact data point 1]", "[Exact data point 2]", "[Exact quote with attribution]" ], "layout_style_signals": [ { "signal": "content_type", "input": "[type]", "suggests": "[layout]" }, { "signal": "tone", "input": "[tone]", "suggests": "[style]" }, { "signal": "audience", "input": "[audience]", "suggests": "[style]" }, { "signal": "complexity", "input": "[level]", "suggests": "[layout density]" } ], "design_instructions": "[Any style, color, layout, or visual preferences extracted from user's steering prompt]", "recommended_combinations": [ { "layout": "[Layout]", "style": "[Style]", "recommended": true, "rationale": "[Brief rationale]" }, { "layout": "[Layout]", "style": "[Style]", "recommended": false, "rationale": "[Brief rationale]" }, { "layout": "[Layout]", "style": "[Style]", "recommended": false, "rationale": "[Brief rationale]" } ] } ``` ## Analysis Checklist Before proceeding to structured content generation: - [ ] Have I read the entire source document? - [ ] Can I summarize the main topic in 1-2 sentences? - [ ] Have I identified 1-3 clear learning objectives? - [ ] Do I understand the target audience? - [ ] Have I classified the content type correctly? - [ ] Have I extracted all data points verbatim? - [ ] Have I identified visual opportunities? - [ ] Have I extracted design instructions from user input? - [ ] Have I recommended 3 layout×style combinations?