9.1 KiB
9.1 KiB
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:
{
"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?