What is infographics? Definition and examples

With the development of Internet technologies in the network there are so many new methods of attracting that you do not have time to follow everyone. Hundreds of thousands of people are working to create high-quality content. Blogs complement the image and video. But what is infographics? For whom is it needed? The answers to these questions are presented in the article.

Definition

It is often believed that infographic is a common graphic material that carries some information. This is partly true. But here there are some subtleties. Infographics can be interpreted as a way of presenting data and knowledge through graphics. At the same time, its main task remains the rapid and clear perception of a difficult material. Let's say you see a picture with numbers and graphs. But this can not be considered an infographic. We remove all auxiliary records. Now you have stopped seeing a logical connection? Then before you was just a picture. If the graphic elements do not require additional descriptions and interpretations, then this is infographics. Its meaning is relatively new, so it has not been fully investigated.

History

There is no specific date for the appearance of this term. One can only guess who was the first to decide to submit information in this way. It is known that in the Soviet Union such art began to appear in the pavilions of VDNH. On paper of this kind, data processing began to be reproduced in the USA Today newspaper. Having launched their project in the early 1980s, they began to introduce text into the graphics, which brought them popularity.

Then still readers did not understand what is infographics. But it was the pictures with explanations that were popular and in demand among the audience. Americans began to realize the benefits of such a presentation of information. It was clear that thanks to the graphs and statistics, the data was quickly perceived, especially if it concerned analytics. One such image could replace a bunch of text material.

Development

A few years later, infographics were not just about technology or business, but also became a real art. Therefore, major publications, such as Esquire, began hiring 3-4 designers and a journalist for this, who could reduce all these ideas to minimum volumes.

So after a while, leading experts of the case began to appear. Known was Don Wittekind. Later, some exemplary creations were exhibited in a special gallery. When publishers began to understand what is infographic and to realize its role, special publications began to appear. So in Russia in 2011 began to sell the magazine "Infographics", which was completely devoid of any texts, and on its pages all the data were represented in this graphical way.

Using

Apply infographic now you can anywhere. If we are talking about spheres, then this is geography, journalism, education, statistics, analytics, etc. If about media, then infographics can be displayed on paper in magazines and newspapers, or in electronic format on the site. It is acceptable to use infographics in presentations, especially often this is useful when creating new projects. Also we can notice such a way of data transfer in the TV. Some analytical programs or news use graphs, schemes, blocks, etc.

An approach

Depending on where you want to use infographics, data can be displayed in two approaches. These methods have long been invented and in general have become fundamental. So, we owe one to Edward Tufts, and the second - to Nigel Holmes.

If you have a business publication, a website for statistics and analytics, then definitely one should use the approach of Tafti. It assumes the minimalist nature of graphics. It is necessary to get rid of all that will unambiguously interfere with perception. Data should be accurately transmitted, and the main goal of this approach is to get the target audience accurate information.

The second approach is ideal for journalism, blogs, advertising, etc. Nigel Holmes worked on "explanatory illustrations." In this case, it is necessary not only to convey information, but also to form images, entertain and attract the reader. In this case, the infographic becomes similar to a comic book. So the image acquires an expressive design and plot.

Popularity

Despite the fact that the best infographics originated in the pages of periodicals. Now it is popular in digital format. It is on the websites you can find successful examples of graphical display. Those who are familiar with web analytics were the first to see that the modern audience has become too lazy. She does not like large blocks of text or long videos. To perceive information is much easier with pictures and short rollers. Hence the popularity of infographics on websites.

Of course, this does not mean that now you need to "shove" graphics and diagrams into each text. It is important to understand why and for whom they are needed. Most likely, you will not be able to rewrite the article using infographics. It does not replace the text, but becomes either its complement or a brief retelling.

Benefit

To determine which article you want to create an infographic for, and for which you do not, you need to understand the advantages of this method of information delivery. From the main it is clear that this option is great for prompt reading of materials and user convenience. If you do not just a pretty infographic, but fill it with all the necessary data, then the visitor will definitely return to your site.

From the useful it becomes clear that infographic can draw to you additional traffic. So, from the links from Yandex.Kartinki and Google Images, new visitors can come. Infographics are also convenient for social networks. It is enough to add one such illustration, and all - the post is ready. That's why you can often see similar images in blogs or social networks, and if you put a watermark on it with the name of your site or a link, it will definitely expand your audience.

Do not forget that infographic is now a great way to promote and advertise. In addition to the fact that there are not so many competitors in this niche, you can also create similar content on the main page to attract customers.

Types

Hence it becomes clear what is infographics, and what types are there.

• Analytical is great for business and economics. There are a lot of statistics and figures on such infographics.
• News is used on websites and in newspapers. Thanks to it, you can briefly describe the events, compare "before" and "after", display a chronology and conduct an analysis of what happened.
• Reconstruction is an infographic that displays the chronology of events and recreates a certain process.
• Presentation - the perfect infographics for business. Excellent for both advertising and reports.

Infographics can be presented in two forms. In a single there is only one unit where all the elements are interconnected. In a separate there can be several blocks that do not depend on each other.

Categorically it is possible to allocate numerical infographics, which usually display graphs, diagrams, diagrams, etc. Extended refers to the visual and is often supplemented with a brief description. Step-by-step instructions are a graphic format.

Last time it became known and the type is interactive. It is used only on websites, because it will not work on paper. Such infographics can change the indicators depending on the values chosen earlier. Remember this.

Creature

Before you look for programs for infographics, think about whether you have enough skills for self-creation of an illustration. It is very important. If you've never been familiar with graphic editors or do not understand how infographics should look, it's better to turn to a professional. He will tell everything and show.

Remember that on any author's schedule there must be your watermark. First, it will retain copyright, and secondly, it will be an excellent advertisement for your website. If you decide to create an infographic yourself, remember that the pictures for it can also have their rightholder, so to avoid any claims, it's best to double-check everything.

To infographics, you need to write the text. And it should be as short and precise as possible. Just a few words should be explained and described. Therefore, often for this purpose hired journalists, copywriters, who are engaged in this business.

To get into Yandex. Images "and" Google Pictures ", you need to register for the infographic site to register for her" alt "," title "and description. Then the search bots will add it to their directory.

Ways

To create illustrations, you can apply several methods. You can take infographic from a foreign site and correct it. But be sure to check its availability on the Runet, as it could already be done before you. Uniqueness is important for any site.

The second way is online services. Here you can install templates and use them to work out an illustration. And the last option is to work from scratch. To do this, you need to look for a program to create infographics.

By the way, there are a lot of online services. Just enter a query into the search, and you can easily find a successful and convenient for yourself. For example, there are good services Easel.ly or Infogr.am.

If you are a little versed in web design and decided to create an infographic yourself, then for you it will not be a secret that the best program for this Photoshop. It has the most opportunities for this business, you can work with layers, select colors, elements, etc. Do you have enough simplified infographics? Then refer to the analogue programs like Paint.net.

If you understand what infographics are, for what purposes you need it, then working with it will be one complete pleasure. Your website, thanks to this way of displaying information, can become the most attractive in RuNet.