infographic

Infographic Generator

Generate professional infographics with two dimensions: layout (information structure) and style (visual aesthetics).

Usage

# Auto-recommend combinations based on content
/infographic path/to/content.md

# Specify layout
/infographic path/to/content.md --layout hierarchical-layers

# Specify style (default: craft-handmade)
/infographic path/to/content.md --style technical-schematic

# Specify both
/infographic path/to/content.md --layout funnel --style corporate-memphis

With aspect ratio

/infographic path/to/content.md --aspect portrait

Direct content input

/infographic [paste content]

Direct input with options

/infographic --layout linear-progression --style aged-academia [paste content]


## Options

| Option | Description |
|--------|-------------|
| `--layout <name>` | Information layout (20 options, see Layout Gallery) |
| `--style <name>` | Visual style (17 options, default: craft-handmade) |
| `--aspect <ratio>` | landscape (16:9), portrait (9:16), square (1:1) |
| `--lang <code>` | Output language (en, zh, ja, etc.) |

## Two Dimensions

| Dimension | Controls | Count |
|-----------|----------|-------|
| **Layout** | Information structure: hierarchy, flow, relationships | 20 types |
| **Style** | Visual aesthetics: colors, textures, artistic treatment | 17 types |

Layout × Style can be freely combined. Example: `--layout hierarchical-layers --style craft-handmade` creates a hierarchy with playful hand-drawn aesthetics.

## Layout Gallery

| Layout | Best For |
|--------|----------|
| `linear-progression` | Timelines, step-by-step processes, tutorials |
| `binary-comparison` | A vs B, before-after, pros-cons |
| `comparison-matrix` | Multi-factor comparisons |
| `hierarchical-layers` | Pyramids, concentric circles, priority levels |
| `tree-branching` | Categories, taxonomies |
| `hub-spoke` | Central concept with related items |
| `structural-breakdown` | Exploded views, cross-sections, part labeling |
| `bento-grid` | Multiple topics, overview (default) |
| `iceberg` | Surface vs hidden aspects |
| `bridge` | Problem-solution, gap-crossing |
| `funnel` | Conversion processes, filtering |
| `isometric-map` | Spatial relationships, locations |
| `dashboard` | Metrics, KPIs, data display |
| `periodic-table` | Categorized collections |
| `comic-strip` | Narratives, sequences |
| `story-mountain` | Plot structure, tension arcs |
| `jigsaw` | Interconnected parts |
| `venn-diagram` | Overlapping concepts |
| `winding-roadmap` | Journey, milestones |
| `circular-flow` | Cyles, recurring processes |

Detailed layout definitions: `references/layouts/<layout>.md`

## Style Gallery

| Style | Description |
|-------|-------------|
| `craft-handmade` (Default) | Hand-drawn illustration, paper craft aesthetic |
| `claymation` | 3D clay figures, playful stop-motion |
| `kawaii` | Japanese cute, big eyes, pastel colors |
| `storybook-watercolor` | Soft painted illustrations, whimsical |
| `chalkboard` | Colorful chalk on black board |
| `cyberpunk-neon` | Neon glow on dark, futuristic |
| `bold-graphic` | Comic style, halftone dots, high contrast |
| `aged-academia` | Vintage science, sepia sketches |
| `corporate-memphis` | Flat vector people, vibrant fills |
| `technical-schematic` | Blueprint, isometric 3D, engineering |
| `origami` | Folded paper forms, geometric |
| `pixel-art` | Retro 8-bit, nostalgic gaming |
| `ui-wireframe` | Grayscale boxes, interface mockup |
| `subway-map` | Transit diagram, colored lines |
| `ikea-manual` | Minimal line art, assembly style |
| `knolling` | Organized flat-lay, top-down |
| `lego-brick` | Toy brick construction, playful |

Detailed style definitions: `references/styles/<style>.md`

## Recommended Combinations

Based on content analysis, system recommends 3-5 layout×style combinations:

| Content Type | Recommended Combination |
|--------------|------------------------|
| Timeline/History | `linear-progression` + `craft-handmade` |
| Step-by-step Process | `linear-progression` + `ikea-manual` |
| Comparison (A vs B) | `binary-comparison` + `corporate-memphis` |
| Hierarchy/Levels | `hierarchical-layers` + `craft-handmade` |
| Relationships/Overlap | `venn-diagram` + `craft-handmade` |
| Conversion/Sales | `funnel` + `corporate-memphis` |
| Recurring Process | `circular-flow` + `craft-handmade` |
| Technical/System | `structural-breakdown` + `technical-schematic` |
| Data/Metrics | `dashboard` + `corporate-memphis` |
| Educational/Overview | `bento-grid` + `chalkboard` |
| Journey/Roadmap | `winding-roadmap` + `storybook-watercolor` |
| Categories/Types | `periodic-table` + `bold-graphic` |

**Default combination**: `bento-grid` + `craft-handmade`

## File Structure

Each session creates an independent directory:

infographic/{topic-slug}/ ├── source-{slug}.{ext} # Source files ├── analysis.md # Deep content analysis ├── structured-content.md # Instructional content structure ├── prompts/ │ └── infographic.md # Generated prompt └── infographic.png # Output image


**Slug Generation**:
1. Extract main topic from content (2-4 words, kebab-case)
2. Example: "Machine Learning Basics" → `ml-basics`

**Conflict Resolution**:
If `infographic/{topic-slug}/` already exists:
- Append timestamp: `{topic-slug}-YYYYMMDD-HHMMSS`
- Example: `ml-basics` exists → `ml-basics-20260120-103052`

## Instructional Design Approach

This skill applies a **world-class instructional designer** mindset to infographic creation:

1. **Deep Understanding**: Read and comprehend the source material thoroughly
2. **Learning Objectives**: Identify what the viewer should understand after seeing the infographic
3. **Information Architecture**: Structure content for maximum clarity and retention
4. **Visual Storytelling**: Use visuals to communicate complex ideas accessibly
5. **Verbatim Data**: Preserve all source data exactly as written—no summarization or rephrasing of facts

## Workflow

### Step 1: Analyze Content → `analysis.md`

Read source content and perform deep instructional analysis.

**Actions**:
1. **Save source content** (if not already a file):
   - If user provides a file path: use as-is
   - If user pastes content: save to `source.md` in target directory

2. **Deep reading**:
   - Read the entire document thoroughly
   - Develop deep understanding before proceeding
   - Identify core message and purpose

3. **Content analysis**:
   | Aspect | Questions to Answer |
   |--------|---------------------|
   | **Main Topic** | What is this content fundamentally about? |
   | **Data Type** | Timeline? Hierarchy? Comparison? Process? Relationships? |
   | **Complexity** | Simple (3-5 points) or complex (6-10+ points)? |
   | **Tone** | Technical, educational, playful, serious, persuasive? |
   | **Audience** | Who is the intended viewer? What do they already know? |

4. **Language detection**:
   - Detect **source language** from content
   - Detect **user language** from conversation
   - Note if source_language ≠ user_language (will ask in Step 4)

5. **Extract design instructions** from user input:
   - Style preferences (colors, mood, aesthetic)
   - Layout preferences (structure, organization)
   - Any specific visual requirements
   - Separate these from content—they go in the Design Instructions section

6. **Save to `analysis.md`**

**Analysis Output Format**:
```yaml
---
title: "[Main topic title]"
topic: "[Category: educational/technical/business/etc.]"
data_type: "[timeline/hierarchy/comparison/process/etc.]"
complexity: "[simple/moderate/complex]"
source_language: "[detected language]"
user_language: "[user's language]"
---

## Main Topic
[1-2 sentence summary of what this content is about]

## Learning Objectives
After viewing this infographic, the viewer should understand:
1. [Primary objective]
2. [Secondary objective]
3. [Tertiary objective if applicable]

## Target Audience
- **Knowledge Level**: [Beginner/Intermediate/Expert]
- **Context**: [Why they're viewing this]
- **Expectations**: [What they hope to learn]

## Content Type Analysis
- **Data Structure**: [How information relates to itself]
- **Key Relationships**: [What connects to what]
- **Visual Opportunities**: [What can be shown rather than told]

## Design Instructions (from user input)
[Any style, color, layout, or visual preferences extracted from user's steering prompt]

Step 2: Generate Structured Content → `structured-content.md`

Transform analyzed content into a structured format for the infographic designer.

Instructional Design Process:

Create high-level outline:
- Title that captures the essence
- List all main learning objectives
- Identify the logical flow
Flesh out each section:
- For each learning objective, create a section
- Mix conceptual explanations with practical elements
- Preserve all source data verbatim—do not summarize or rephrase
Structure for visual communication:
- Identify what becomes a headline
- Identify what becomes supporting text
- Identify what becomes a visual element
- Identify data points, statistics, or quotes

Critical Rules:

Rule	Requirement
Output format	Markdown only
Tone	Expert trainer: knowledgeable, clear, encouraging
No new information	Do not add anything not in the source
Verbatim data	All statistics, quotes, and facts copied exactly

Structured Content Format:

# [Infographic Title]

## Overview
[Brief description of what this infographic conveys]

## Learning Objectives
The viewer will understand:
1. [Objective 1]
2. [Objective 2]
3. [Objective 3]

---

## Section 1: [Section Title]

**Key Concept**: [One-sentence summary]

**Content**:
- [Point 1 - verbatim from source]
- [Point 2 - verbatim from source]
- [Point 3 - verbatim from source]

**Visual Element**: [What to show visually]

**Text Labels**:
- Headline: "[Exact text for headline]"
- Subhead: "[Exact text for subhead]"
- Labels: "[Label 1]", "[Label 2]", ...

---

## Section 2: [Section Title]
[Continue pattern...]

---

## Data Points (Verbatim)
[All statistics, numbers, quotes exactly as they appear in source]
- "[Exact quote or statistic 1]"
- "[Exact quote or statistic 2]"

---

## Design Instructions
[Extracted from user's steering prompt]
- Style: [preferences]
- Colors: [preferences]
- Layout: [preferences]
- Other: [any other visual requirements]

Step 3: Generate Layout×Style Recommendations

Based on analysis and structured content, recommend 3-5 combinations.

Selection Criteria:

Factor	How to Match
Data structure	Timeline→linear-progression, Hierarchy→hierarchical-layers, etc.
Content tone	Technical→technical-schematic, Playful→kawaii, etc.
Audience	Business→corporate-memphis, Educational→chalkboard, etc.
Complexity	Simple→sparse layouts, Complex→dense layouts
User preferences	Honor any design instructions from Step 1

Format each recommendation:

[Layout] + [Style]: [Brief rationale based on content analysis]

Step 4: Confirm Options

IMPORTANT: Present ALL options in a single confirmation step using AskUserQuestion.

Questions to ask:

Question	When to Ask
Combination	Always (required)
Aspect ratio	Always
Language	Only if `source_language ≠ user_language`

AskUserQuestion format:

Question 1 (Combination) - always:

Option A (Recommended): [layout] + [style] - [brief rationale]
Option B: [layout] + [style] - [brief rationale]
Option C: [layout] + [style] - [brief rationale]
Custom: Specify your own layout and/or style

Question 2 (Aspect) - always:

landscape (16:9, Recommended) - standard presentation
portrait (9:16) - mobile/social media
square (1:1) - social media posts

Question 3 (Language) - only if source ≠ user language:

[Source language] (matches content)
[User language] (your preference)

Language handling:

If source language = user language: Just inform user
If different: Ask which language to use for all text

Step 5: Generate Prompt → `prompts/infographic.md`

Create an image generation prompt.

Process:

Read layout definition from references/layouts/<layout>.md
Read style definition from references/styles/<style>.md
Read base prompt template from references/base-prompt.md
Combine with structured content from Step 2
All text in prompt uses confirmed language

Prompt Structure:

Topic: [main topic from analysis]
Layout: [selected layout]
Style: [selected style]
Aspect: [confirmed ratio]
Language: [confirmed language]

## Layout Guidelines
[From layout definition file]

## Style Guidelines
[From style definition file]

## Content to Visualize

### Learning Objectives
[From structured-content.md]

### Sections
[From structured-content.md - each section with its visual elements]

### Data Points (Verbatim)
[All exact statistics, quotes, and facts from source]

## Text Labels (in [language])
[All text that appears in the infographic, organized by section]

## Design Instructions
[Any specific visual requirements from user's steering prompt]

Step 6: Generate Image

Image Generation Skill Selection:

Check available image generation skills
If multiple skills available, ask user to choose

Generation: Call selected image generation skill with:

Prompt file path: prompts/infographic.md
Output path: infographic.png
Aspect ratio parameter if supported

Error handling:

On failure, auto-retry once before reporting error
If retry fails, inform user with error details

Step 7: Output Summary

Infographic Generated!

Topic: [topic from analysis]
Layout: [layout name]
Style: [style name]
Aspect: [aspect ratio]
Language: [confirmed language]
Location: [output directory path]

Learning Objectives Covered:
1. [Objective 1] ✓
2. [Objective 2] ✓
3. [Objective 3] ✓

Files:
✓ analysis.md
✓ structured-content.md
✓ prompts/infographic.md
✓ infographic.png

Preview to image to verify it matches your expectations.

Quality Checklist

Before generating final image, verify:

All source data preserved verbatim (no summarization)
Learning objectives clearly represented
Layout matches information structure
Style matches content tone and audience
All text labels in correct language
Design instructions from user honored
Visual hierarchy supports comprehension

References

Detailed templates and guidelines in references/ directory:

analysis-framework.md - Instructional design analysis methodology
structured-content-template.md - Structured content format and examples
base-prompt.md - Base prompt template for image generation
layouts/<layout>.md - Detailed layout definitions (20 files)
styles/<style>.md - Detailed style definitions (17 files)

Notes

Layout determines information architecture; style determines visual treatment
Default style craft-handmade works well with most layouts
Technical content benefits from technical-schematic or ui-wireframe
Educational content works well with chalkboard, storybook-watercolor
Business content pairs with corporate-memphis, dashboard
All text in the infographic uses the confirmed language
Never add information not present in the source document
Statistics and quotes must be copied exactly—no paraphrasing

Extension Support

Custom styles and configurations via EXTEND.md.

Check paths (priority order):

.content-gen-skills/infographic/EXTEND.md (project)
~/.content-gen-skills/infographic/EXTEND.md (user)

If found, load before Step 1. Extension content overrides defaults.