Infographics are powerful tools for breaking down complicated topics like marine pollution into simple, understandable visuals. The Save Our Oceans infographic transforms alarming statistics into clear, attention-grabbing visuals. By combining data with engaging graphics, it communicates urgency and impact in ways plain text cannot achieve.

From Bill Dennison’s Practical Visual Literacy for Science Communication, we learn that infographics make data relatable by balancing visual and textual elements. The Save Our Oceans infographic features bold statistics, simple and consistent iconography, and contrast and focus. Dennison emphasizes how these visuals simplify complex environmental issues for broader audiences. For example, the bold use of numbers—like “33 billion pounds of trash dumped into the ocean annually”—holds the viewer’s attention while reinforcing just how big the problem is.  

Fabiola Cristina Rodríguez Estrada and Lloyd Spencer Davis, in their article Improving Visual Communication of Science Through the Incorporation of Graphic Design Theories and Practices Into Science Communication, highlight how “visual thinking” combines forms, colors, and composition to create meaning. This process enhances critical thinking, allowing viewers to interact with and respond to visuals like Save Our Oceans. Its intentional design placement of graphics, text and shape size, and color usage ensures the audience doesn’t just see statistics but understands their significance.

Neil Patel’s 12 Infographic Tips , also highlights this by suggesting that visuals paired with concise explanations improve retention and make information shareable. The infographic’s direct format ensures the message spreads widely, sparking conversations about ocean conservation. Additionally, behavioral economics principles like loss aversion, discussed in The Top 5 Behavioral Economics Principles for Designers, explain how emphasizing negative outcomes—such as ocean plastic outweighing fish by 2050—compels action by tapping into a viewer’s fear of loss.

Save Our Oceans also appeals to emotional responses, which Plutchik’s Wheel of Emotions explains. The infographic uses core emotions like fear (environmental breakdown) and sadness (for endangered marine life) to forge a deeper connection with its audience. By intensifying these emotions through graphics of fish being impacted by pollution and striking facts, it transforms passive concern into active motivation.

Finally, as described in Welcome to the Experience Economy, creating an emotional and interactive experience enhances engagement. Infographics turn static information into an experience—drawing viewers into a story they can “feel.” The Save Our Oceans infographic does exactly this by inviting audiences to connect emotionally with the urgent need for ocean conservation.

Through its visuals, data, and emotional storytelling, Save Our Oceans shows how infographics make complex information understandable, relatable, and actionable.

References

Bridgeable. (2024, February 7). The top 5 behavioural economics principles for designers. https://www.bridgeable.com/ideas/the-top-5-behavioural-economics-principles-for-designers/ 

Fava , M. (n.d.). Ocean plastic pollution an overview: data and statistics. Ocean plastic pollution an overview: Data and statistics. https://oceanliteracy.unesco.org/plastic-pollution-ocean/ 

II, B. J. P., & Gilmore, J. H. (2014, August 1). Welcome to the experience economy. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/1998/07/welcome-to-the-experience-economy 

Interaction Design Foundation. (2024, December 9). Putting some emotion into your design – plutchik’s wheel of emotions. The Interaction Design Foundation. https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/article/putting-some-emotion-into-your-design-plutchik-s-wheel-of-emotions 

Ocean pollution: 11 facts you need to know. Ocean pollution – 11 facts you need to know. (n.d.). https://www.conservation.org/stories/ocean-pollution-facts 

Patel, N. (n.d.). Infographic: What is it, examples, 12 Tips & templates for 2021. https://neilpatel.com/blog/12-infographic-tips/ 

Plastic is a growing threat to our future. (n.d.). https://usa.oceana.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/263943_FactSheet_v2-1.pdf 

Plastic Pollution. Oceana USA. (2024, September 3). https://usa.oceana.org/our-campaigns/plastic/#:~:text=The%20world%20is%20facing%20a,into%20the%20oceans%20every%20minute. 

Plastic pollution: Facts & figures. Surfers Against Sewage. (n.d.). https://www.sas.org.uk/plastic-pollution/plastic-pollution-facts-figures/ 

Portilla, N. (2023, December 30). Plastic pollution in the ocean – 2024 facts and statistics. Recycle Track Systems. https://www.rts.com/blog/plastic-pollution-in-the-ocean-facts-and-statistics/ 

Practical visual literacy for science communication: Blog. Integration and Application Network. (n.d.). https://ian.umces.edu/blog/practical-visual-literacy-for-science-communication/ 

Rodríguez Estrada, F. C., & Davis, L. S. (2014). Improving visual communication of science through the incorporation of graphic design theories and practices into Science Communication. Science Communication, 37(1), 140–148. https://doi.org/10.1177/1075547014562914