Reflections: What I Learned
Before taking the course, my initial goal was to create beautiful graphics that would visually convey my story to the audience. However, as I progressed through the various stages of the course, I realized that simply creating graphics is not enough for effective storytelling. It’s essential to make an impact with the stories we share. In today's world, where young, impressionable people readily accept information without verifying its accuracy, it is crucial for us, as young storytellers, to present the right information backed by hard facts and to inspire meaningful action in a positive direction.
Another key takeaway from this course was the significance of peer reviews in shaping a story. As I peer-reviewed my infographic, I discovered that certain aspects of my story were not as deep or impactful as I had initially believed. With the feedback I received, I was able to refine my final infographic to better align with my original vision. After submitting my work for peer review, I received various comments, but a common theme emerged: many reviewers were able to grasp the intent of my creative piece and reflect on it effectively.
Final Design of Infographic
After considering various inspirations and iterations, I have finalized the layout that effectively condenses all the data gathered during my research. I have chosen to focus on the impacts of Delhi's dangerous air quality on the health of its residents and others. My goal is to highlight the severity of the situation, emphasizing that the deteriorating air quality in Delhi has become one of the leading causes of death in recent years. If immediate action is not taken to improve the air quality, Delhi could soon face a serious public health crisis. The title of my infographic is "Breathing in Poison", as I believe that the people of Delhi are inhaling a poison that is slowly and silently harming them.
#GenGeo is a global community of youth dedicated to driving conversations and solutions for our planet. In a course developed with Adobe, we learned to use infographics to effectively raise awareness on critical issues. As part of Nat Geo's #GenGeo Storytelling for Impact courses, I created an infographic on air pollution in Delhi.
Defining the Brief
I have chosen to work on the topic of Delhi air pollution for my infographic storytelling project. Over the years, I have listened to firsthand accounts from many acquaintances about the deteriorating air quality in Delhi. This issue has been discussed repeatedly, yet no conclusive solutions have emerged, and it continues to pose a significant health and economic threat.
I believe that an infographic is an effective form of storytelling that can reach a broader audience, particularly young people. This medium can help inform and inspire them to collaborate on solutions for this critical problem that has plagued the heart of India for decades.
Design Process: From Concept to Execution
The process for designing the infographic began with the Problem Definition stage. Since data sets are the most critical element of any infographic, I started by researching my topic after defining the problem. The remaining steps were carried out in the chronological order outlined below.
MY ROLE
VISUAL
STORYTELLER;
INFOGRAPHIC
DESIGNER
TEAM
PERSONAL
TIMELINE
MAR, 22’
Research & Discovery
For my research, I relied on trusted news articles as well as national and international government sources to extract datasets for my infographic. I consulted news agencies such as BBC, Hindustan Times, and The Hindu to gather relevant data on the topic. Additionally, I referred to national government sources like the Central Pollution Control Board for information related to the issue. Wikipedia sources were also consulted for basic information about the topic. To gain a deeper understanding, I reviewed journals and case studies, which helped me formulate a concrete call to action.
During my research, I discovered a compelling and alarming trend: a significant number of young, non-smoking individuals are being diagnosed with lung cancer. This is particularly concerning given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which also heavily impacts lung health. Furthermore, I noted the substantial economic implications this issue has on the nation's resources. These problems necessitate urgent action, as waiting too long may lead to dire consequences in the future.
Defining Visual Language
After conducting thorough research and analysis, I gathered a substantial amount of data and began developing the visual language for the infographic.
Moodboard
To kick off the design process, I created a mood board that would aid in selecting a color palette for the entire project. Since my topic focuses on air pollution, I aimed for a look and feel that conveys smoke and gloom while also being dramatic and encouraging action.
Color Palette
Based on the mood board I created, I decided on a color palette for the design. To reflect my design ideas and inspirations, I chose colors in the smoky and foggy range. This choice helps capture the overall theme and enhances the visual appeal for readers.
Iterations & Initial Sketches
Before starting the final design, I created some initial drafts of the infographic layout. These sketches allowed me to visualize the effective placement of data, helping to capture the readers' interest.
