Tufts University Equity in America

data visualization
data visualization

Opus Design does brilliant work creating data visualizations and other tools that communicate data to the public. They combine technical sophistication, excellence in design, commitments to accessibility and equity, and superior customer service. They are a pleasure to work with and learn from.

Dr. Peter LevineAssociate Dean, Tisch College, Tufts University

Youth voting data visualization

Tufts CIRCLE
Tufts CIRCLE

We really enjoyed working with Opus on our brand new digital data tool. From day one, the team was incredibly thoughtful and responsive to our vision for what we wanted to create—and they proved flexible and understanding as the project evolved. We’re incredibly proud of the final product, which is a big step forward for our organization.

Alberto MedinaCommunications Specialist, Tisch College, Tufts University

Infographics

We believe in infographics!

Visualizing information and data in a compelling graphic is a great way to tell your story and provide insight in an approachable and memorable way. The information becomes easier to understand, more scannable, and therefore faster to absorb.

Infographics come in many different forms: icons, illustrations, data charts, multi-level networks, flowchart infographics, custom combinations of all of them, you name it. The options are infinite.

Our philosophy for infographics:

  • Form follows function: clearly communicating the information and drawing the insight quickly is more important than aesthetics (while looking awesome is important too, of course).
  • Establish a clear hierarchy: the audience should never feel overwhelmed.
  • Tell a story: create context, flow, and a call to action in visual storytelling.

Our infographics portfolio


Designing data charts starts by determining the right type of chart to allow the audience to draw insight into the best and easiest way. Our principle of “form follows function” is particularly important for designing data charts. Style can never get in the way of understanding the data (while we certainly use style to communicate your brand and emotional attributes).

In website design, data charts and dashboards can provide an interactive experience for your audience to explore your data and information. Interactivity—filters, zoom, and hover states—allow users to engage on a deeper level and customize the slice of data that is most relevant to them.

Data charts are key in research report design to visualize the research data. Clean, attractive, straightforward data charts that focus on your data and insight—and don’t distract with embellishments—allow the audience to understand the information most quickly.


With data visualizations we represent information and data graphically. By using visual elements like charts, graphs, and maps, data visualizations provide a way to see and understand trends, connections, changes, outliers, and other patterns in the data.

User experience plays an important role in data visualization to allow users to intuitively select different data sets, make comparisons, and draw conclusions.

Website accessibility can be a challenge for data visualization. We provide data in alternative ways to allow all audiences to access the information.

Framework infographics allow you to visually represent your organization’s framework or model for services, your mission, or process. Framework graphics are used internally to align the team’s understanding and to support clear messaging. Externally, they are used to communicate to your audience in an approachable, concise way what you do, why you do it, or how you do it.

Framework infographics are very impactful in a pitch deck as a 1-page presentation slide. The graphics provide a great visual summary and leave-behind to accompany your verbal storytelling.

In website design, framework infographics are often used in an interactive way on the “about us” or “mission” pages. They can be interactive so users can click and hover to find deeper levels of information.


Visually demonstrating a process provides a great benefit to your audience. Processes are much easier to follow as an infographic and they are easier to remember.

In a university website design, a process infographic can help prospective students understand the steps for applying to a program—tracking requirements and deadlines. Printing the graphic to keep on their desk at home gives them with a nice cheat sheet and reminder.

In a user manual, process infographics can provide easy to follow steps on how to assemble something, install software, or follow any other type of sequential instructions.

We like to think of custom icons as mini infographics—small visuals that communicate information. Icons can provide helpful navigation in print design as well as websites and presentations.

We can “iconize” everything with graphic design! We have designed icons for simple terms and the most complex terms—from apple to zeugma.

In a research report design, icons can be used within a framework infographic visualizing the high-level structure of the research findings, for example, 4 sections of the research. Throughout the report, icons can then be used to represent the sections and allow the reader to easily navigate the report.

For complex or complicated information, icons can be designed to add visual pop to otherwise dry terms. They can also give the reader a hint at a complex meaning and make the content much easier to understand and remember.

Custom illustration provides a way to add emotional shading to infographics as well as additional information. The illustration style can make the infographic feel serious and analytical or warm and welcoming. Illustration and graphic design provide a great opportunity for your audience to experience and FEEL your brand and story.

In a poster with data charts and infographics about a university, our illustrations of campus landmarks provide a sense of place on first glance, along with the data, to create an emotional connection to the campus.