Infographic blocks encodes values as modular rectangles whose size and order rank importance. Isotype (Neurath, 1920s–30s) plus postwar magazine grids.
In reports, ads and assignments it fits dashboards, posters, one-pagers, exhibit boards. Skip it when the tiles hide that the numbers are not comparable.
Parts
- Mark — The core mark of Infographic blocks is modular rectangles whose size and order rank importance.
- Scale — The scale must show zero (or a declared break) and units.
- Axis — Axis titles name the variable, not a mood.
- Legend — A legend is weaker than a direct label. Write beside the mark when you can.
- Label — Numbers are optional. If comparison is the job, label the ends only.
- Grid — Keep the grid faint. Data should own the ink.
- Annotation — One annotation sentence. Date the source.
- Frame — A thin frame. Never a 3-D box.
Variants
- Stat tiles — Variant 1 of Infographic blocks. Same encoding, different layout.
- Magazine grid — Variant 2 of Infographic blocks. Same encoding, different layout.
- KPI cards — Variant 3 of Infographic blocks. Same encoding, different layout.
- Infographic blocks 4 — Variant 4 of Infographic blocks. Same encoding, different layout.
Labels
- Axis — On Infographic blocks, make Mark readable.
- Legend — On Infographic blocks, make Scale readable.
- Label — On Infographic blocks, make Axis readable.
- Grid — On Infographic blocks, make Legend readable.
- Annotation — On Infographic blocks, make Label readable.
Infographic blocks: honour modular rectangles whose size and order rank importance, and switch when the tiles hide that the numbers are not comparable.