Top 7 Infographic Design Trends For 2021

Infographics are more popular than ever. Most businesses use them and find them effective. That’s because infographics can help businesses improve website traffic and brand awareness. In 2020, infographics took a turn towards colorful gradients, fluid shapes, and isometric compositions. Wondering what experts predict for the new season? Below are 7 trending infographic styles to look out for in 2021. 

1. Geometric Shapes 

Geometric shapes are a classic, timeless trend that was used by several brands this year–including Column Five Media and Target. Applying simple shapes can also add order, consistency and form to your infographic. There are hundreds of ways your business can use them. Let’s take a closer look at a few examples.

Example 1 

Graphic by Senior Lifestyle

Example 2

Graphic by IDX

2. Simple Line Art

The highly-famed line art trend has conquered infographic designs since its inception, with its clean and simplistic structure. Line is one of the seven key elements in graphic design and is often used as a roadmap that connects viewers to important information. In a world full of vivid colors, fluid concepts, and elaborate data, a basic line art infographic can be a refreshing switch up. If you are creating an infographic for your business or client, this traditional technique is always a great choice.

3. Open Compositions

Most of today’s infographics have all design elements inside of a border, also known as a closed composition. However, in open compositions, visual components go beyond the infographic’s edges. This trend is inspired by contemporary art movements happening right now. Principles in open composition designs do not have a centralized focal point. Instead, they draw attention to the overall balance for both graphic and illustration elements.

4. Muted Color Schemes

Many branding specialists incorporated muted color palettes in 2020 to further enhance and explain important concepts to their users. The term “muted” refers to colors that have a low saturation, or appear dulled and grayed to the human eye. After almost a decade of using bold and vivid colors, businesses have taken a step towards subtle designs. 

One company that used muted colors well this year is LinkedIn. LinkedIn has successfully implemented a mix of bright text against earthy-toned backgrounds. Additionally, social media graphics, landing pages, and other marketing design resources use muted palettes to give users a sense of safety or trust. Here is a great example from LinkedIn Business.

5. User-friendly Data Visualizations

The goal of any effective infographic is to make complex data easier to digest. Depending on the information, there are several types of data visualization structures that you can put into your next design. This includes:

• Tables
• Timelines
• Pie charts 
• Bar graphs
• Heat Maps
• Flow maps
• Line charts
• Cartograms
• Histograms
• Scatter plots
• Bubble Maps
• Venn diagrams

By using these visual elements, you’ll provide users with an accessible way to see and understand trends, patterns, and gaps in data. One of the best ways to learn about data visualization is by seeing it. Here’s a few infographic examples that we’ve created.

Example 1

Graphic by Happy Valley

Example 2

Graphic by IDX

6. Inclusive Illustrations and Icons

Marketers and designers alike have taken a step towards inclusivity by simplifying character styles and campaign imagery in order to embrace all users. This trend was a hit this year, as companies such as Groupon and GoCo designed successful infographics around the Black Lives Matter movement.  

Creating an inclusive design means reassessing the illustrations, icons, and colors that you use. Developing a further understanding of how your visuals aesthetically relate to potential visitors is a great way to expand your business reach. 

Example

Graphic by Terra Staffing

7. Classic Typefaces

Using legible, easy-to-read fonts in your designs will ensure clarity throughout your brand messaging and make it accessible to those with disabilities. As a rule of thumb in content marketing, the messaging must be clearly communicated if you want your target audience to connect with your brand. Some of the world’s largest companies such as Apple, Google, and Amazon have already implemented this design trend in recent campaigns. For a little inspiration, we’ve included the top-ranking fonts of 2021.

• Clio
• Avenir
• Futura
• Gotham
• Alverata
• Silk Serif
• Big Caslon
• NewsSans
• Baskerville
• Avenir Next
• Helvetica Now
• Champion HTF

Now that you’ve browsed through the best typefaces, let’s look at an example.

Graphic by Happy Valley

Infographic design trends in 2021 have the power to make an exciting and colorful statement, with its new spin on classic design techniques and new movements. To learn more about creative strategies and assets in digital marketing, check out these articles.

• Email Design: More Than Just a Template
• 7 Ways to Improve Your Marketing Campaign with Visual Content
• Visual storytelling & your brand strategy: More than posting pretty pictures

Contact IDX

The IDX Content and Creative team helps businesses unleash their brand stories with powerful content, both written and visual. Contact us to learn how we can help you.