infographics

infographics
Umbrella term to describe
a variety of information
visualisation traditionally
including signs, charts,
maps, manuals among
others.
The aim is to
communicate information
quicklyand
engagingly.
vs
Traditional infographics consist of the use of the tools of graphic design,
illustration, cartography and statistical representation to convey
journalistic information.
Infographics are difficult to define precisely because of
their multiple and flexible nature... on an abstract level, an
information graphic is an aid to thinking and understanding...A good
infographic makes patterns arise, discovers trends, condenses enormous
amounts of information in a very small space.
Alberto Cairo
FORMS
INTERACTIVE
PRINT
SIGNAGE
VIDEO
Exploratory
visualizing data
so viewer can play with
it and analyse it.
Explanatory
showing information
and telling a story about it
to the viewer.
Paul Butler
National Geographic
Exploratory
visualizing data
so viewer can play with
it and analyse it.
Explanatory
showing information
and telling a story about it
to the viewer.
Animated
infographics
are usually Exploratory
taking the form of a visual
essay, communicating
information within a
narrative or argument.
examples
RATIONALE
Q. Would animation
increase engagement and
comprehension?
Q. Do you have solid facts
and/or good
story/argument?
Q. How will you breakup
the topic/process into
digestible elements?
Q. How will you represent
Time, Space, Location?
GUIDES
Create visual hierarchies.
Graphic/Motion energy
should be focused on
story/info not ornament.
Use text and symbol
conventions.
Simplicity: avoid
superfluous detail.
Do not distort the data.
Clarity/Simplicity
Superfluous Detail/
Style over Substance
FUTHER INFO
INFORMATION
Journalism in the Age of Data, by Geoff McGhee at Stanford
http://datajournalism.stanford.edu/
Interview with Alberto Cairo, elmundo.es's former infographics expert
http://www.ojr.org/ojr/stories/070523ruel/
Design and infographic site:
http://simplecomplexity.net/
Influential Player in Information analysis and communication
http://www.edwardtufte.com
EXAMPLES
http://psdcollector.blogspot.com/2010/05/277-infographics-and-data-visualization.html
http://www.designer-daily.com/14-visually-stunning-animated-infographics-5698
http://inspirationfeed.com/2010/07/50-wonderful-infographic-videos-and-posters/
http://motionographer.com/tag/information-graphics/
http://vimeo.com/groups/19792
FUTHER INFO
INFORMATION
Graph Layout and Colour Exercise
http://www.perceptualedge.com/files/GraphDesignIQ.html
Fernando b. Viegas
http://fernandaviegas.com/democratizing_viz.html
Alberto Cairo
http://www.albertocairo.com/index/index_english.html
Visualisation Methods
http://www.visual-literacy.org/periodic_table/periodic_table.html