An infographic is defined by Google as a visual image, such as a chart or diagram, used to represent information or data. Sharing and reading data can only be so interesting, but infographics offer a way to provide numbers and statistical information in a fun, visually appealing format. Infographics are especially popular on social media and blogs.
Why People Like Infographics
- Visual
- Informational
- Scannable
We are visual people in a fast-paced world, making infographics the perfect way to consume large amounts of information quickly and efficiently. Since numbers can be mind-numbingly boring, infographics find a way to share statistics in a fun way that is easy to scan and digest in no time at all.
5 Quick Tips for Creating an Infographic
1. Use Good Data
Don’t just make an infographic for the purpose of making one. Be sure that you have useful, interesting data to provide to your specific audience. Gather reliable statistics and facts that somehow relate to one another.
2. Use Variety
When laying out your infographic, employ a variety of information, from percentages and ratios to word clouds and bar graphs. This will keep your infographic interesting and show that it is more than just a series of Excel graphs.
3. Tell a Story
Your infographic should tell a story. As mentioned in Tip #1, the stats and facts should relate to one another in some interesting way. If your data is random and it is difficult to determine the connection, your infographic has no purpose other than being a dumping ground for random statistics. Know what your story is before you begin.
4. Cite Your Sources
The data you are using is most likely not your own. Thus, it is vital that you cite your sources and give credit where credit is due. This will let your viewers know that both you and your infographic can be trusted, as well as providing them with a source to gather more information on a specific topic if they would like.
5. Decide on a Color Scheme
Last but not least, decide on a color scheme that makes sense and doesn’t overwhelm. Do not begin creating your infographic without knowing the colors that you will be using. Determine the number and types of colors so that you may use them appropriately.
Building Your Infographic
Infographics and their building blocks can be found all over the internet these days, and we encourage you to try some of your own. There are various sites out there which will allow you to create infographics from templates as well as custom options.
If you have access to design talent, you could also consider an animated infographic for even more impact. These pieces mesh graphics, text and animation to truly grab users' attention, and are still relatively rare online, giving your brand an opportunity to stand out. Here's an example of an animated graphic we made for nonprofit organization GoPhilanthropic:
Need help getting your infographic game off the ground? Informatics’ graphic design team is experienced in infographic and animated video design, and always here to help. Reach out for a chat today!
