What is the best method to communicate complex information? A Project for JNCC

This was the challenge facing UK government organisation Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC), part of the European Interreg funded CABFishMan project. The aim of the project was to increase awareness throughout the fishing industry of the potential impacts that may occur with various types of fishing.

Fishing is a diverse industry and JNCC’s project encompassed all of Europe. It is worth noting that different countries use different types of gear to target the same catch or may target different species entirely. Consideration also needs to be given to the different hazards and the variety of languages spoken.

JNCC were concerned that the information should be educational, rather than critical of fishing methods, and not limited by language barriers. This, therefore, raised the question:

JNCC already understood that a series of infographics was, perhaps, the best method to explain complex information to a European audience without any language barriers. Whilst many companies use tools that come with Microsoft Office, or free online tools such as Figma to create infographics, these are limited and could not create the very specific 3D Informational Infographics that JNCC required.

JNCC approached Orchid to submit a proposal to produce seven detailed Infographics, having seen Process Infographics and 3D Informational Infographics that Orchid had previously created for the Energy sector and other Government organisations. The project was awarded and the next steps began.

The JNCC Infographics differ to common business graphics in that they are 3D rendered infographic scenes rather than conventional infographic flow diagram. In summary, the steps required to create the infographics were:

1. Storyboard the infographic – A joint workshop was arranged to discuss what needed to be shown and where, and how best to identify the various unique elements of the scene.
2. Create a wireframe of the infographic – The wireframe demonstrated the layout and where elements were to be placed. This allowed JNCC the opportunity to review and amend as required.
3. Produce the elements required – This is the graphical creation and/or 3D modelling of 3D elements, textures and colours.
4. Create the infographic to a high first draft quality – The infographic was compiled and, once completed, was submitted to JNCC for review.
5. Incorporate comments to produce a final draft – The comments were discussed and incorporated in to the final draft infographic. The final draft infographic was submitted to JNCC for review and approval.
6. Final sign off – The final deliverables were prepared and delivered.

Often for bespoke designed infographics, Adobe Illustrator will be used. With the JNCC infographics, which are fully 3D rendered models, this required a different approach and a blend of software which included:

1. 3D Studio Max to create the 3D objects.
2. Adobe Dimension to create the 3D scenes.
3. Adobe Illustrator to create the curved objects such as ropes and chains.
4. Adobe Photoshop to finalise the infographic and add lighting and material techniques, such as aging or rust.

“JNCC specifically chose Orchid because of the high quality, clear outputs from previous fisheries gear infographic work that is now widely used as the standard across the fisheries and fisheries management sectors in the UK.  The next generation of infographics delivered as part of the CABFishMan project will help marine managers better communicate the potential environmental risks associated with the predominant fishing gears used across the European Atlantic area.” JNCC

By choosing to create custom infographics using a designer, JNCC have been able to have full control over the style and content of each of the seven Infographics. This has allowed them to continue their business of growing and raising awareness of environmental fishing issues effectively. 

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