Infographics create a visual story out of data. They are effectively used for presentations, worksheets, reports and tracking tools and to enhance editorial content in magazines and websites. On the web you can even find fascinating animated , interactive and motion infographics.
Infographics are based on the knowledge that people connect with visuals and comprehend information more easily, for after all, and “who reads anyway?”
* Infographics can invite comment, discussion and feedback. This may mean that several iterations of the infographic may need to be developed over time, but this is a part of the interactive process of engaging people in the topic at hand.
* Infographics can aid decision-making. Because of their visual nature, it is easier for groups of people and individuals to grasp a complex concept.
Here’s an eye-opening infographic on how prisoners get more funding than students – used by a Superintendant of Public Schools to support his proposal for equal funding for social services and public education.
* Intangible benefits of infographics can be measured by their success in
– building credibility
– building brand awareness, brand experiences & relationships with the target audience
– communicating concepts, problems and ideas within an organization or body, and
– enabling collaborative development of solutions.
* Infographics help build brands and generate action.
An infographic can be used as a powerful advertising or marketing tool, to convey a relevant message that strengthens brand image. Carefully researched and presented infographics help to make brand messages more memorable. Supported with data, they can be more persuasive and credible than advertisements or press write-ups. Infographics quickly go viral as they are easily shared on social networking sites.
Make sure that you carefully check all your data and back it up with more data from trustworthy sources, so that you present a credible face to your audience. Avoid spammy infographics that go off topic and devalue your brand.
An example:
The Lego infographic below presents The Learning Power of Lego, beginning with the evolution of the brand, its uses in education and building skills in creativity, communication and critical thinking, 3-D thinking, reasoning, planning, evaluation and problem solving, construction and fine motor development, hand-eye coordination, scientific and technological solutions; geometry, mathematics and engineering.
5. Infographics are shareable.
Infographics are more likely than text articles to be shared on social networking sites. Infographics shared on Twitter get 832% more retweets than images and articles. ROI on an infographic can be measured in terms of increased page views, social interaction, links from high value sites, search engine rank and direct leads.
1. What is an Infographic?
2. Why use Infographics?
3. How Infographics Evolved
4. Infographics in PR and Editorial Content
5. Infographics in Education
6. Free Tools for Creating an Infographic
7. How to Create a Memorable Infographic
8. How to Assess Your Infographic
