A framework for understanding and evaluating news infographics

Abstract There is a lack of definitional rigour for journalism infographics that allows ambiguity in their evaluation and research. This study is an attempt to remedy this imprecision to understand how the form differs from other visual modes of communication, and to more clearly establish criteria for its analysis. We argue that a news infographic is grounded on three essential criteria—integration, abstraction, and extension. We test the validity of our framework by applying it to case studies of infographics recognized for their excellence. We discuss how our criteria represent an elaboration of a two-part concept of appearance and explanation, and suggest ways in which the framework can be used to judge existing infographics and to guide the creation of future infographics for the news.