Behind the Design: Building a COAA Infographic

designs we love

Jul 7

Here at Studio Red, we absolutely love the challenge of translating big, complex ideas into beautiful, bite-sized visual stories. So, when the Construction Owners Association of America (COAA) came to us needing a way to pack a massive punch on just a single page, we couldn’t wait to dive in.

The goal? Create a visually stunning, incredibly impactful 1-page infographic that communicates their core ideas instantly, without overwhelming the reader.

Here is a look behind the curtain at how we made it happen!

Step 1: Listening and Learning

Before we ever touch a digital canvas, we listen. We spent time getting to know COAA’s specific needs, unpacking the core messages they wanted to convey, and understanding what their audience really cares about. When you only have one page to make an impression, every single pixel has to earn its keep. There’s no room for fluff!

Step 2: Finding the Perfect Visual Language

After mapping out their goals, the big "aha!" moment hit us: a custom iconography system.

Instead of heavy blocks of text or generic charts, we decided that a cohesive family of icons would be the most eye-catching and practical way to guide the reader's eye. Icons act like visual shorthand—they cut through the noise, spark instant recognition, and keep the overall design feeling fresh and energetic.

We collaborated closely with the COAA team to brainstorm, refine, and select the absolute best symbols to represent their unique ideas.

Step 3: Pulling It All Together (In Every Format!)

Once the visual alphabet was locked in, it was time for the real magic—bringing it all together into a seamless, gorgeous layout. We balanced vibrant color, clean typography, and our brand-new icons to create a page that practically leaps off the screen (or paper!).

But a great design also needs to be incredibly functional. To make sure COAA could use this new tool absolutely everywhere, we delivered the final infographic in various versatile formats. Whether they are dropping it into a digital presentation, sharing it on social media, or handing out a crisp printed copy at their next event, they are ready to roll.

Need to turn your big ideas into a beautiful visual story? We’d love to help you build something impactful. Drop us a line right here at Studio Red, and let’s get creating!