This assignment creates a bridge between the extended definition and technical description you created for Assignment $1,$ and the collaborative research reports we'll develop during the second half of the semester. In the first module, you provided background information $--$ in the form of a backgrounder and definition $+$ description $--$ on a subject related to our course theme. You'll continue to develop that topic, and may even be able to recycle or repurpose some of the sources or text you used for the first assignment, as we move into Module $2$: Visualizing Problems.

In this module, you'll investigate the ways your subject connects to a problem $($or opportunity$)$ related to our course theme. This module emphasizes researching and interpreting data and statistics and representing that research ethically in visual and verbal form.

What will I turn in$?$

You'll use your research to create two deliverablesLinks to an external site.:

An infographicLinks to an external site. that helps a non$-$specialist audience understand something about the way your topic connects to our course theme. The infographic will also help your teammates see how a non$-$specialist audience might understand the problem.

An elevator pitchLinks to an external site., a $30-$ to $90-$second video, that pitches your topic$/$project idea for further development during the team project.

How does this work connect to Module $3?$

At the end of Module $2,$ we'll break into four$-$person research teams. You'll pitch your project idea to your team; each team will choose one project for further research and development into a white paper. We'll spend the second half of the semester working in research teams.

Why are we doing this assignment?

Doing this assignment will help you develop your abilities to:

Find and evaluate the credibility of data and statistics

Make effective, ethical use of graphics and images you find online

Design traditional graphics like charts, tables, and graphs

Plan and deliver an elevator pitch

Select production technologies, such as infographic applications, that are appropriate to your goals, skills, and budget

Task: Create an infographic and pitch your project

You may choose to complete the work in this module individually or with a partner $($with instructor approval.$)$

This project has three stages. Use the following lists to help you navigate each stage.

Stage $1$: Infographic planning

Identify the purpose of your infographic

Identify a specific non$-$specialist audience for your infographic

Locate and evaluate the data setsLinks to an external site. you will use

Describe the $$story$$ you will tell with the data

Select the infographic genre that best serves your purpose and audience $($see the data visualizations readingLinks to an external site.$)$:

data visualization infographic

information design infographic

editorial infographic

Stage $2$: Infographic production

Select the application you$$ll use to design your infographic; consider your goals, skills, and budget as you make your selection

Incorporate data from at least two data sets $(3$ or more data sets if you're working with a partner$)$

Develop and incorporate your own original data visualizations

at least one $(1)$ original$*$ chart, table, or graph

one $(1)$ original graphic

Create a full $($alt$-$text$)$ description of the content and a bibliography of sources.

$*$Original means original; something you create yourself from the data you have collected.

Stage $3$: Prepare your pitch

Follow conventions for an elevator pitch $($see the reading$)$

Establish the problem: What is the problem the consulting team will research?

Introduce the solution: What kind of research will you do$?$ for what audience? In what format or genre?

Share the benefit or value: What is the $$up$$ side of choosing your idea for the team project?

Include what makes you different: What sets this project idea apart?

End with a call to action: Ask people to support your proposal

How do I submit my work?

Post your elevator pitch video and infographic to your Pitch Proposals on your team discussion board.

Note: You'll find your grade and feedback from the professor for this assignment in the grade column for the pitch proposal discussion in the gradebook.

Evaluation criteria

Infographic $(70\%)$: The infographic is evaluated for both content and visual composition. Content is the actual information the infographic is presenting $($i$.$e$.$ the story it's telling.$)$ Visual composition is the design and aesthetics.

Elevator pitch $(30\%)$: Evaluated on overall quality.

Evaluation criteria: Infographic content

Criterion

Explanation

Story

Infographic makes a convincing argument or compelling social commentary, well supported by data.

Relevance

Topic is timely and relevant to the course subject matter.

Detail

Approach goes beyond generalizations, cursory introductions, and material presented in lectures to provide insightful and original response to topic.

Synthesis

Comb