As information becomes overwhelmingly accessible online, it also becomes exceedingly complex to digest in the short time frame in which it has our attention. If your information can’t grab someone’s attention within the first 8 seconds, you are likely to lose them. How then do we share complex ideas and large amounts of information quickly? One ingenious solution moving into the online space is information graphics or infographics for short.
Infographics are visual representations used to transmit information, data or knowledge quickly and clearly. When used online, the opportunity to include interactive elements and/or time-based information makes it even more attractive, persuasive and engaging. When knowledge is transferred so efficiently that words are oftentimes unnecessary, the result is nothing short of art. (Think Edward Tufte)
The most exciting part about using infographics online is its ability to spread virally. When an image conveys useful information, one tends to share the link with those he/she knows will be interested. Just take a look at the search results from Digg on the term “infographic” to see where we are headed.
Having a hard time understanding the credit crisis? Don’t worry! The Crisis of Credit makes it short and simple, using a nice balance of narration and visualization:
The Crisis of Credit Visualized from Jonathan Jarvis on Vimeo.
Ever wonder what the growth of Walmart across America looked like starting way back in 1961? I certainly don’t—thanks to FlowingData and Modest Maps!
What’s the big deal with status updates? I would tell you, but it’s more informative if you just watched this video by quub:
Status updates explained from quub.com on Vimeo.
Have you heard of Commoncraft? Check out their videos and see how much fun hands, paper and markers can be! Commoncraft is a great example of a business which utilizes infographics.
Not everything needs to be time-based. Mint has done a great job of bringing economic infographics into perspective with the good old jpg. Just take a look at the US/China Trade Relationship infographic.
Complex ideas need not be complex. Just think visual.
Tags: Advertising, Communications, Infographics, Information Graphics, Presentations
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