Data Visualization Infographics
Graphical representations of knowledge communicating complex information quickly and clearly.
USA Today
- Visualizing information
Infographics, information graphics, data visualization and information visualization are visual graphical representations of information, data or knowledge used by journalists and others to communicate complex information quickly, clearly and effectively.
Today, infographics surround us in print, broadcast and Internet media, as well as in a wide variety of other uses such as road maps and signs, and education.
A visual shorthand for everyday concepts, they illustrate in a simple way information that would be complex when written out in text form.
Visualization should not just communicate clearly. It should engage viewers, capture their attention and stimulate them.
Previously, information graphs were simple bars, lines and pies. They used illustration to enhance the graphs infrequently. Today, printed publications and websites are displaying illustrated graphics to engage their readership.
The fact that graphs are involved doesn't mean that data visualization needs to look boring to be functional. It doesn't even have to be particularly sophisticated to look beautiful.
To convey ideas effectively, form and function work together to provide insights into complex data sets by communicating their key elements in intuitive ways.
To display information effectively and efficiently, infographics can be used to describe process, anatomy, chronology or hierarchy as flowcharts, organizational charts, timelines, instructional diagrams, anatomical illustrations and even cartography. However they look, their goal is to communicate a clear, universal message.
- Learn more:
How to create infographics:
Visual.ly how to do it guides
Piktochart tools for making stories from data
Econsultancy free tools
Mashable how to create an awesome infographic
Spyrestudios five steps to a powerful visual
Vector Tuts how to create modern infographics
Crazy Egg beginner's guide to creating infographics
Hongkiat tools to create infographics
Background:
Infographics Wikipedia
Data visualization Wikipedia
Information visualization Wikipedia
Why are infographics important? Instant Shift
What is an infographic? Column Five Media
Infographics About Infographics Beth's Blog
Examples:
USA Today Snapshots - current USA Today
USA Today Snapshots - archive USA Today
What It's Like To Be A Working Mom Forbes Magazine
Community Map Of Our Relationships Huffington Post
The Digital Lives of American Moms PC Magazine
10 Effective Infographics Vandelay Design
40 Useful Infographics Six Revisions
55 Briliant Infographics Creative Bloq
Resources for Courses »
© 2013 Dr. Anthony Curtis, Mass Communication Dept., University of North Carolina at Pembroke e-mail home page
