| name | creating-infographic-data-summaries |
| description | Converts data, research, and articles into infographic-ready summaries with visual hierarchy and chart suggestions. Use when the user asks about infographics, data visualization, visual summaries, chart types, or statistics presentation. |
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
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
| Statistic | Value | Context |
| --------- | -------- | ------------------ |
| [Metric] | [Number] | [What it measures] |
| [Metric] | [Number] | [What it measures] |
| [Metric] | [Number] | [What it measures] |
### 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:
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
