

In application, the practice of data visualization is the most numbers-heavy-and typically is what a purist would describe as a “true” infographic. Now, want to see the power of data visualization at work? Take a look at the data visualization below.Įxample: You probably don’t speak Italian, but you can likely decipher the information presented in this graphic by Francesco Franchi. This illustrates why data visualization is the most interesting and universal way to make information accessible and understandable to a wide group of people. (If you’ll note, we did indeed create a video that visualizes the power of data visualization-case in point.) To see how and why data visualization is so powerful, take a look at this video. We need to both make sense of numbers and be able to easily share the story they tell. In the age of big data, this is especially important. Whether you’re looking at meta patterns or single data points, data visualization translates that data into a visual language you can easily and instantly understand. We consider it an artistic science, as it uses design aesthetics to increase data comprehension, synthesis, and ultimately recall. Data visualization is simply a visual representation of data. You may be familiar with data visualization in the form of basic charts and graphs. Let’s explore the difference between them. While there are many different presentations of infographics, there are three general categories that infographics can fall into:Įach serves its own purpose and can be a powerful storytelling tool-when applied properly. What Are the Different Types of Infographics? But as the buzz surrounding this word has grown, so have the arguments about the real answer to the question, “What is an infographic?” There are many schools of thought, but we believe the term should remain open and inclusive as the medium evolves. The word “infographic” has experienced a meteoric rise in popularity over the last decade, largely due to the use of this medium for both branded and editorial content on the web. You’ve probably come across infographics in magazines, online, or on the wall at your doctor’s office.Įxample: This educational infographic for the American Heart Association is an overview of atrial fibrillation. “Infographic” is a portmanteau of the words “information” and “graphic.” In essence, an infographic is a form of visual communication meant to capture attention and enhance comprehension. In this era, “infographic” has become the broadest descriptor of a specific type of visual communication that includes graphics showing data, copy, or both. Luckily, as an agency with a decade in the infographics game (and a book to boot), we’re here to demystify the infographic world for you and give you insight into the world of infographics, why they’re useful, and how you can take advantage of this exciting medium.

Many of the labels thrown around not only overlap but can be open to individual interpretation. What is the difference between data visualization, information design, visual content, and infographics? The confusion is understandable. What is an infographic? Though infographics have become a go-to marketing tool over the last decade, we still commonly receive questions about the various terms used to describe this field of design.
