What is an infographic? Tips and examples

Welcome to the often overlooked world of Infographics. They are populating marketing campaigns, social media reels, and TV advertising, aiming to educate and inform their audiences, transforming boring statistics, data and instructions into functional, high-impact visuals. It becomes apparent under closer inspection that this discipline, in particular, can really push the boundaries of design, as visual representation collides with pie graphs and surveys. 

It becomes a challenge for any designer to create a striking piece of work that pleases visually, while encouraging viewers to take in the valuable information within. They have become a part of our day-to-day lives, and it seems that now more than ever, you find yourself staring into a captivating infographic, feeding you with its enchanting data. In this informative article, we strive to discover the role infographics play in helping us understand the world around us a little more.

What is an infographic design?

Infographic -What is an infographic design?

The definition of an infographic is that of a visual aid used to present complex data in a simplified and creative format that is easily digestible for viewers. It is a means of displaying information that captures attention and delivers a message with its eye-catching graphics and illustrations. As an art form, infographics require a thoughtful approach to layout, color schemes, typography, and iconography chosen to optimize their effectiveness. 

Infographics have come to play a vital role in a range of fields, from advertising and marketing to journalism and scientific research. With the power to communicate important ideas quickly and comprehensively, infographics have become a useful and powerful tool in today’s fast paced, technologically advanced society. To really understand what they are, it’s best to observe them. Check out this endless stream of infographics found in the Freepik asset library.

History of infographics

It might come as a surprise that infographics are possibly one of the oldest forms of communication there ever was. With the earliest diagrams drawn as far back as 30,000 B.C scratched into rock, they are a fascinating discovery and highlight just how necessary the sharing of information is for human kind. 

Much later on, as homo sapiens developed into organized civilizations, we saw the introduction of maps, the earliest of them being a map of the world from the Babylonian perspective, dating between 700 and 500 B.C.

In the 1830’s Andre Michel Guerry, a lawyer based in France, set out to visualize the first social science study of its kind. He wanted to find out whether illiteracy was the cause of crime in certain areas. His findings lead to the first use of colored graphs, representing the data in a clear and concise manner. Ultimately his data showed that illiteracy was not in fact a direct influence on crime, creating controversy amongst some high flying frenchmen who begged to differ.

The colossal project that was the London Underground, led to one of the most iconic infographic projects of the 20th century. Harry Beck’s London Underground map is a fascinating example of clear visual representation, creating icons and keys that could not be clearer, helping direct millions of people each day to their desired location. The design was such a success, the style has been replicated all over the world. 

What are infographics used for?

Infographic - What are infographics used for?

Today we are living in a highly advanced and technical world, where if an Alien were to land in time square right now, the poor fella would find its surroundings rather overwhelming. In a profound situation such as this, what form of communication would the Alien benefit from? 

Infographics are with us to simplify our world, quickly and efficiently and it is the designers job to build fast bridges to the sinapsis in our brains, whether it’s helping get from point A to point B, presenting a social survey or explaining how to use a taxi. Infographics are used in such a variety of ways and in some areas they are used more than others. 

Finance is an example of this, where much of the structure of this sector is built around data and statistics of which many of us find difficult to understand. To convey such information in a neatly presentable manner, it is advised to use infographic presentations that you can build using Slides Go. Here you can learn how to use infographics effectively in often overwhelming situations like presentations. Infographics have helped immensely in simplifying previously uninspiring and difficult to understand information, ultimately enabling communication to reach out to a much broader audience. 

Types of infographics and examples

There are so many variations of infographics out there and with the development of new ways to deliver such informal visuals it is a certainty that more variations will emerge. Here are a few different types of infographics worthy of a mention:

Visual 

Infographics - visual

Sometimes we can make do without text entirely, these are what’s known as visual infographics or infographic images. They will come in handy when representing an action, perhaps in signage or an instruction manual. They can also maintain a connection with your audience, as well designed visuals can be stimulating and pleasure to look at. However, sticking to its functional purpose is always advised.

Timeline

Infographic - Timeline

One of the older kinds of examples. Infographic timelines are a way of mapping out the past in a visual representation. A simple timeline would involve a chronological sequence of events, often in the form of a specific time, supported with a description. Other more complex timelines may not follow a simple line. An infographic website, for example, can represent the data in a much more engaging way, allowing viewers to interact with it and break away from the traditional linear line often found in a timeline. 

Statistics or data

Infographic - statistics or data

For all you nerds out there, statistics and data are where IQ meets vector lines, creating stunning pie charts, graphs and diagrams. It can be quite a challenge combining two very different worlds in this way. However, often they can make for compelling pieces of work and in doing so it invites people who might not otherwise be so keen to learn, to give it a second glance. This style of design can create such stunning results, they are often turned into infographic posters and placed in communal areas. 

Medical

Infographic - medical

Hospitals and care facilities are often decorated with engaging infographics pasted on walls or in handed-out pamphlets with the sole purpose of educating, informing, and also providing a positive attitude towards wellbeing. With a mix of vectorized characters and valuable information, you can create child-friendly information that is easily digested or create functional mental health infographics that will help motivate those at risk to seek treatment. 

CV

infographic - CV

The search for work has always been increasingly competitive and one way to show off personality and productivity is through an infographic resume. Long gone are the days of traditional CV’s writing. Often in a creative CV we will see the use of iconography and data, all structured and formatted in a clear and concise manner to make a compelling story about you

Maps

infographic - maps

Another great example of creativity and sourcing data. Often involving a key to describe the various icons displayed on the map, there are many visual elements that are involved in its creation. The map itself tends to be oversimplified lines creating a birds eye visual of our surroundings, helping guide viewers to their desired destination. Today interactive maps are very common, found in apps and websites to help motivate customers to their stores.

Instructions

infographic - instructions

Have you ever wondered how you, of all people, have managed to assemble flat-pack furniture? Directions have certainly not come from your imagination or a lucid dream, it’s all thanks to, well designed, informative instructions. Some are so well designed you don’t even need to read, relying on clear pictorial designs, often supported with the use of arrows. To provide further assistance, usually a key is included using icons to represent tools and fixings provided. Instructions are a great example of informative language, relying solely on visual representation and we would be at a loss without them!

What makes a good infographic?

With such expansive use, infographics can take many forms, from a simple informal pictorial, to much more complex, multi paged data projects and even animation in many cases. To support such a variety of projects, you will need a shopping cart full of elements in which to forge a range of infographic content. Let’s take a look at some!

Text

As important as text can be when creating an infographic, some leaders in the field, such as Edward Tufte, recommend limited use of it, arguing that an infographics purpose is to inform using less words and more visual representation. Of course, there are going to be situations when text is essential. In any case, text should be easy to read, quick to the point and use informative language to keep the reader fixated.

Graphics

Vector designs are the dominant force in any infographic project. It is the job of the graphics to represent the information, simplifying words into pictorials, effectively reducing paragraphs of information into quickly recognisable visual cues. Illustrations tend to play a massive role in creating clear and aesthetically pleasing content.

Colors

An infographic, like any creative project, will carry with it an emotional response no matter what the subject matter may be. This is where color plays its tune. Picking the right color for your infographic will bring about the atmosphere needed to create a stunning piece of work. Many designers will do a little research into which colors to use in their project, keeping it simple is a good way to start depending on your working style.

Icons

Given the nature of your informal content, the use of icons are indispensable. Just to give you an idea, just think about what an infographic would be like without:

Elements such as symbols and signs will make way for functional and engaging visual communication. 

How to make an infographic

When it comes to designing a clear as crystal infographic, there are two sides to the project. The raw information and the visual itself. The data you are working from will essentially shape your concept, so it’s really important that what you are given is correct and up to date. Check out some of these infographic tips to get the ball rolling. 

Target audience

First of all, who is your target audience? This is going to determine many things in the creation of your infographic. The tone, language and style will be based on who your infographic is informing. If your audience is children, then perhaps illustrations, cartoons and a color palette made up of prime colors would suit the task, creating something engaging and fun for children to react with. 

Storytelling

Tell a story. In many cases it is good practice to relate with your audience by storytelling. Infographics are a fantastic example of storytelling in one flat piece of visual communication, whereby we can represent an action or situation that a viewer can interpret in seconds. For an infographic to adhere to its function, simple is best, to deliver information efficiently. We are not trying to recreate a Van Gogh painting here!

Color

Color is a very important element to your overall design. When it comes to picking your palette, it is good practice to research the colors that will support the informative language. It could be very confusing reading a financial infographic colored in casual yellows and bright pinks. Color is a communicative tool that represents human emotion. Darker colors tend to be of a more formal feel, whereas bright hues are informal. Getting it right will set about creating the atmosphere you want.

Structure

When you have all your elements to create your infographic, structure is what holds it all together. Creating the correct spacing and alignments doesn’t just look good, it provides a user friendly design that readers will benefit from. Especially when there is a mix of information and visuals to take in all at once. To avoid confusing your audience, sticking to a hierarchy is also very important. You need to keep asking yourself, what needs to be read first and last. 

Illustrations

Illustrations are sometimes essential and today they are an abundant feature in digitally designed infographics and can really impress your audience. You might think, illustrations were something you enjoyed when you were a kid, but adults secretly love them! Especially when they are informing you of something extremely educational, like mortgage repayments. Sticking to keeping it simple whilst delivering on consistency will lead to a very professional finish, keeping in mind the color palette you choose earlier. 

Things to consider when creating infographics

Infographic - Things to concider when creating infographics

In the face of it all, your amazing graphic design skills will be rendered useless, unless you have equally satisfactory data and information sources. The two cannot exist without the other and in a perfect world, an equally strong balance from both sides of the project will determine its performance when it comes to its effectiveness. 

Hierarchy is another fundamental factor when creating a high performance infographic. Formatting to a standard that increases readability, while providing structure is something to be taken very seriously. All it takes is a very basic psychology lesson to understand that people notice certain things before others, this is down to their immediacy which often depends on size, color and orientation. 

Readability is commonly overlooked when creating the more complex infographics. To tackle this, it’s good practice to choose a font that responds to the design in a clear and present way. A bolder font will cut through any background noise coming from overpowering vector illustrations. One other consideration is to up the contrast between the background and the text to make information more readable. 

One more thing to consider is the use of infographic templates. There are heaps of pre-made designs made by professionals that look the bee’s knees. Why waste hours of your own time when there are perfect examples ready for the picking? Not only do they save precious time, but they also provide stunning examples of what can be achieved. Take them as a source of inspiration, if nothing else. 

And for those who like to maintain control over their designs there is a solution for that too. Wepik is an in-browser design tool that enables users to create stunning infographics on the go with the support of countless templates and design assets. Check out this in-depth article, How to design infographics, showing you how to create stunning results with time on your side. 

So now you have everything you need to create stunning infographics and with so many resources out there to help, you have no excuse to get started. Let’s get creative informing people in a fun and efficient way!