Inside the Infographics in Practice Program: A Q&A with Reynold Tan of ACTIVATE

Reynold Tan of the ACTIVATE team recently earned top recognition in AG‑ACt’s Infographics in Practice program, originally developed by the University of Guelph. His visual story, presented at the 2025 Cultivating Resilience Summit in Vancouver, was voted the top infographic by summit attendees for its clarity, creativity, and ability to translate complex ideas into an engaging narrative.

We spoke with Reynold about his experience in the program, the process behind his award‑winning piece, and the insights he gained along the way.

"To anyone considering joining Infographics in Practice, I’d say: go for it."

Reynold Tan

Web Developer, ACTIVATE

Please tell us a little about yourself:
- My name is Reynold. I am a web application developer with a focus on building applications that support research activities in the ACTIVATing Crops (ACTIVATE) project. I work on storing, retrieving, and visualizing large-scale phenotypic data.
What initially motivated you to participate in the Infographics in Practice program? How did you decide on the story you wanted to tell?
- I’ve always been drawn to the challenge of making complex research ideas more accessible and engaging. The turning point came when I attended a master’s student’s presentation on nitrogen tracing from Lentils to Wheat. His explanation drew me in immediately and sparked my curiosity. It felt like a story that needed to be shared more widely—in a way that speaks to both scientific and non-scientific audiences through a clear, visual narrative.
Can you walk us through your creative process, from your first drafts to the final infographic?
- My creative process began with immersing myself in the subject matter. I reviewed documents, presentations, and posters to build a solid understanding of the nitrogen tracing process and consulted experts from the ACTIVATE team for insights. From there, I moved into a hands-on phase of sketching, doodling, and testing layouts. I identified key words and concepts, gathered feedback from the program facilitators, and refined the visuals and storyline until the final infographic delivered both clarity and impact.

Infographics often require simplifying complex ideas. What was the most challenging part of distilling your topic into a clear, compelling visual narrative?
- The hardest part was finding the balance between detail and simplicity. I wanted to give enough context for the audience to appreciate the science behind nitrogen tracing. Simplifying too much, however, could strip away the essence of the concept. Hitting that middle ground was challenging, but it was also the most rewarding part of the process.
As you reflect on being voted the top infographic at the Cultivating Resilience Summit in Vancouver, BC, what does this recognition mean to you personally or professionally?
- Being voted the top infographic at the Cultivating Resilience Summit in Vancouver was both humbling and motivating. Personally, it affirmed that balancing detail with simplicity and finding the right tone truly resonates with a wider audience. Professionally, it reinforced how essential collaboration is.
What would you say to someone considering joining the Infographics in Practice program next year or in the future?
- To anyone considering joining Infographics in Practice, I’d say: go for it. It’s an incredible opportunity to learn how to turn complex ideas into clear, engaging visuals. You’ll build valuable skills in finding the right tone, collaborating effectively, and communicating with impact. The program not only sharpens your design abilities but also surrounds you with inspiring peers and mentors who challenge and support you throughout the process.
Do you have any other final words?
- I want to sincerely thank my peers and mentors in the ACTIVATE project and the Infographics in Practice facilitators. Their guidance, encouragement, and thoughtful feedback were essential in strengthening my work. I’m truly grateful for the collaborative spirit that made this journey so rewarding!

Reynold’s insights show how strong visuals can turn complex ideas into stories that truly resonate. If his experience sparks your curiosity, explore AG‑ACt’s training and resources to discover past projects and upcoming opportunities.

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