Which design practice most commonly leads to misleading infographics?

• A. Use of appropriate scales
• B. Cherry-picked data
• C. Clear sources
• D. Balanced labels

Answer: (B)

Presenting data in a way that selectively highlights only the portions that support a claim is a common source of misleading infographics. When data is cherry-picked, other relevant information is left out, which can exaggerate trends or hide problems. The viewer gets a false impression because the visual is guiding interpretation toward a specific conclusion without showing the full context. This is why cherry-picking data is the strongest risk for misleads in infographics.

Good design practices help prevent that misdirection. Using scales that accurately reflect the data reduces the chance of distortion; clear sources let the audience verify where the data came from; and balanced labels keep wording neutral so the viewer isn’t nudged toward a preconception. By presenting a complete picture with transparent sourcing and neutral labeling, infographics become more trustworthy and less prone to manipulation.