How to Walk on Ice: The Instructional Infographic That Went Viral

Infographic showing how to walk on ice safely by shifting center of gravity, created by Tablet Infographics

After college, I moved from Georgia to Madison, Wisconsin for graduate school. That experience taught me a lot — like how it can snow in April, that “thunder snow” is a real thing, and most importantly, that there is a right and wrong way to walk when it’s icy outside.

Years later, long after a few hard lessons and bruises, I turned those insights into something visual — a self-promotional how to walk on ice infographic created under my company, Tablet Infographics. I originally mailed it to potential clients. What I didn’t expect was that it would go viral.

The Infographic: How to Walk on Ice (the Right Way)

The design breaks down exactly why the way we normally walk increases our chances of slipping on ice, and offers a simple, memorable solution: walk like a penguin.

It uses step-by-step visuals to compare:

• The “wrong way” (center of gravity behind your feet, oblique angle = likely fall)

• The “right way” (center of gravity directly over your front foot)

• Real-life data and facts to reinforce the importance of the message

Winter Safety Tip: To avoid slipping on ice, imitate a penguin by keeping your center of gravity over your front leg. This technique reduces the risk of falls, as shown in this comparison between the wrong and right ways to walk on icy surfaces.

From Self-Promo to Worldwide Reach

The infographic eventually found its way onto Reddit and began making the rounds online. Over time, it was featured by:

• BoingBoing.net

• Lifehacker.com

• TODAY.com

• Numerous safety blogs, teacher forums, and international media outlets

It has since been translated, shared, printed, and reposted all over the world. I still receive messages from people who say this simple visual helped them (or someone they know) avoid a painful fall.

The Power of Instructional Graphics

This project is a great example of what instructional infographic design can do:

• Simplify complex topics

• Educate diverse audiences

• Spread important information quickly and memorably

At Tablet Infographics, I specialize in creating custom visuals that turn dense or technical information into designs that people actually understand — and remember.

Want a Visual Like This for Your Audience?

If you need help explaining something complicated — whether it's about safety, healthcare, transportation, or training— I can help you design an infographic that connects and educates. Let’s talk.

Visit Tablet Infographics to get started.