How do you communicate uncertainty, ambiguity, or complexity in information graphics?

1 Use error bars

Error bars are graphical elements that show the range of uncertainty or variability around a point estimate, such as a mean, median, or proportion. They can help you indicate how confident you are about your data, how precise your measurements are, or how much variation there is in your sample or population. Error bars can take different forms, such as vertical or horizontal lines, shaded areas, or whiskers. They can also represent different types of uncertainty, such as standard deviation, standard error, confidence interval, or margin of error. When using error bars, make sure you explain what they mean, how they are calculated, and what assumptions they are based on.

2 Use colors and symbols

Colors and symbols are powerful tools to encode information and convey meaning in infographics. They can help you highlight, contrast, or group different data points, categories, or dimensions. They can also help you communicate uncertainty, ambiguity, or complexity in your infographics, by using shades, gradients, opacity, patterns, or icons. For example, you can use lighter or darker colors to show the degree of certainty or confidence in your data, or use different patterns to show the quality or reliability of your sources. You can also use icons or symbols to indicate missing data, outliers, assumptions, or limitations. When using colors and symbols, make sure you use them consistently, choose them wisely, and provide a legend or key.

3 Use scenarios and ranges

Scenarios and ranges are ways to show the possible outcomes or consequences of different actions, events, or decisions. They can help you illustrate the uncertainty, ambiguity, or complexity of future or hypothetical situations, such as forecasts, projections, or models. Scenarios and ranges can take different forms, such as graphs, maps, diagrams, or stories. They can also show different levels of probability, likelihood, or risk, such as best-case, worst-case, or most-likely scenarios, or high, medium, or low ranges. When using scenarios and ranges, make sure you explain the logic, assumptions, and sources behind them, and avoid presenting them as definitive or deterministic.

4 Use annotations and captions

Annotations and captions are textual elements that accompany your infographics. They can help you provide context, explanation, or interpretation for your data, information, or knowledge. They can also help you communicate uncertainty, ambiguity, or complexity in your infographics, by using qualifiers, modifiers, or disclaimers. For example, you can use words or phrases such as "approximately", "estimated", "based on", "subject to", or "may vary" to indicate the uncertainty or variability in your data or information. You can also use words or phrases such as "depends on", "influenced by", "related to", or "compared to" to indicate the ambiguity or complexity in your data or information. When using annotations and captions, make sure you use them sparingly, clearly, and accurately.

5 Use interactive and dynamic features

Interactive and dynamic features are elements that allow your audience to explore, manipulate, or customize your infographics. They can help you engage, inform, or persuade your audience, by giving them control, choice, or feedback. They can also help you communicate uncertainty, ambiguity, or complexity in your infographics, by using sliders, buttons, filters, or animations. For example, you can use sliders or buttons to show how your data or information changes under different conditions, assumptions, or scenarios. You can also use filters or animations to show how your data or information varies across different categories, dimensions, or time periods. When using interactive and dynamic features, make sure you design them intuitively, effectively, and ethically.