VENUS FLYTRAP
Infographic
Description
This infographic is a two-page spread on the Venus flytrap, a carnivorous plant well known for its unique leaf shape and prey trapping mechanism. Meant for the general public and individuals with an interest in the biological sciences, the purpose of this piece was to visually represent and explain the complex snapping mechanism and hunting cycle of the plant.
Type
Infographic
Tools
Procreate, Adobe Illustrator
Client
Jodie Jenkinson, University of Toronto
Audience
General audience
Date
March 2022
Process Work
Sketch
I started off by sketching out my desired two-page spread with the visuals and major headings I wanted to include based on some preliminary research. I also made sure to consider the midpoint of the page where the magazine would fold to avoid putting any critical information in that region.
Comprehensive
After some feedback on my sketch, I placed my written text into the layout. One of the main challenges I had at this stage was in reducing my text and shifting my visuals to fit everything on the pages. I also focused on ensuring that the reading level was appropriate for my target audience.
References
Bemm, F., Becker, D., Larisch, C., Kreuzer, I., Escalante-Perez, M., Schulze, W. X., ... & Hedrich, R. (2016). Venus flytrap carnivorous lifestyle builds on herbivore defense strategies. Genome Research, 26(6), 812-825.
Forterre, Y., Skotheim, J. M., Dumais, J., & Mahadevan, L. (2005). How the Venus flytrap snaps. Nature, 433(7024), 421-425.
Hedrich, R., & Neher, E. (2018). Venus flytrap: how an excitable, carnivorous plant works. Trends in Plant Science, 23(3), 220-234.
Kreuzwieser, J., Scheerer, U., Kruse, J., Burzlaff, T., Honsel, A., Alfarraj, S., ... & Rennenberg, H. (2014). The Venus flytrap attracts insects by the release of volatile organic compounds. Journal of experimental botany, 65(2), 755-766.
Sachse, R., Westermeier, A., Mylo, M., Nadasdi, J., Bischoff, M., Speck, T., & Poppinga, S. (2020). Snapping mechanics of the Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula). Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 117(27), 16035-16042.