An infographic is an explanatory image that combines text, illustration and design, whose purpose is to synthesize information of a certain complexity and importance, in a direct and quick way.
This term was born from the journalistic field around the nineties, after the need to give a name to the exercise of providing information through graphic elements. However, the use of infographics is quite old.
Infographics respond to different models, such as diagrams, schemes, concept maps, among others. Likewise, they use different types of visual resources, both linguistic and non-linguistic: text, images, colors, layout criteria and all kinds of useful plastic and compositional elements.
It is a resource widely used both in the daily press and in magazines, educational books, websites, social networks and all kinds of mass dissemination materials. For example, voting instructions, feeding instructions, etc.
Functions of an infographic
Synthesize information; Facilitate the understanding of complex information; Help the reader to construct the information immediately; Provide variety to the layout of the text in which they are inserted.
Parts of an infographic
An infographic is essentially made up of the following parts:
A headline. This can be accompanied by a subtitle if necessary; A succinct text that provides the explanation and interpretation criteria; The body, which refers to the center of the message and includes all the graphic elements and supporting typography; The font of the information; Authorship credits.
Characteristics of an infographic
It is always headed by a headline or title, depending on the context; It must answer the questions: what, who, when, where, how and why; It must be easily intelligible; It must synthesize all the possible information on a subject; The use of images is mandatory;The images contained must be clear;The text must be clear, concise and brief;It must be so solid that they can have autonomy with respect to the article in which it is inserted;It must not have any error, inconsistency or contradiction.
Types of infographics
According to its structural design
Graphics
They are those that graphically represent, that is, visually, the statistical information, so that its understanding is simpler and faster. They can use various resources such as bars, cakes, coordinate systems, etc. Example:
Maps
Maps are very useful to quickly locate the reader in the place of an event or in the context of geographical information of interest, such as a tourist route. Example:
Boards
Sometimes, an infographic can simply summarize a series of important data in a table organized under a system of columns and rows. It may contain some visual elements, such as colors and pictograms, to break up its harshness.
Tables are used when the information is too complex to establish comparisons, graphical representations and flow systems. Example:
Diagrams
A diagram is particularly useful for showing the articulation of hierarchies and processes, as well as the functioning of certain systems. Example:
According to its content and function
journalistic infographic
It is one that reports on the development and evolution of a news story in a graphic way. Example:
Sequential infographic
It is used to express how a sequence of events unfolds. It may or may not be a news event.
Outreach infographic
These are infographics aimed at disseminating prevention campaigns and attention to priority needs of society. For example, campaigns on behavior in the face of natural disasters, first aid, nutrition or disease prevention.
Comparative infographic
It is proposed to succinctly establish the differences and/or similarities between two or more elements.
Features Infographic
It serves to provide information about the specific characteristics of a thing. For example, properties of foods, characteristics of certain products, etc.
Scientific infographic
Provides information about scientific processes and theories of various types.
Architectural infographic
Offers information on architectural and civil engineering structures.
Biographical infographic
It is used to report on the life of a person who has generated a certain impact on society.
See also: synoptic table and diagram.