2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Enhancing Public Health Awareness through Infographics: A Dual-Method Evaluation of Design and Engagement

Presented at Engineering Design Graphics Division (EDGD) Technical Session 2

This research critically examines the role of infographics in healthcare communication, showcasing their utility as a bridge between technical engineering education and meaningful community engagement. Through the analysis of 100 infographics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), this study adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative assessment of design elements with quantitative evaluation of audience engagement metrics. The findings reveal that static and animated infographics effectively distill complex health information into accessible formats, with animated versions slightly outperforming static ones in engagement and memorability. This underscores the potential of leveraging engineering skills in creating infographics to enhance public health awareness.
Significantly, this study highlights how interdisciplinary approaches merging technical expertise, design creativity, and an understanding of psychological principles can enhance the efficacy of health communication. By integrating the development and analysis of infographics into engineering education, this research offers a pathway for engineering educators to equip students with valuable skills in effective communication, design thinking, and community service. The insights gained from this study advocate for a curriculum that emphasizes applying technical skills in solving real-world problems, thereby fostering a stronger connection between engineering students and community health initiatives. This approach enriches students' educational experiences and contributes to the broader mission of community engagement by leveraging technical education for societal benefit.

Authors
  1. Dr. Asefeh Kardgar Texas A&M University [biography]
  2. Dr. Anne M Lucietto Orcid 16x16http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0053-753X Purdue University at West Lafayette (PPI) [biography]
Note

The full paper will be available to logged in and registered conference attendees once the conference starts on June 22, 2025, and to all visitors after the conference ends on June 25, 2025