We live in a time of visual overload. The amount of imagery we see on a daily basis, wether advertising or social, is astounding. We are no longer living in the days when it was normal to sit for an hour and read through the newspaper; we get our updates in tweets. We want pointed, short and visual information.
We want to save time, while still being in the loop.
Now, I’m obviously all for using our time well. Digesting information should be done in the most efficient way possible. We are great at being a consumers of easy and quick information, but how do we create this kind of content?
How do we portray what we deem to be necessary information in a way that draws people in, saves them time and makes them remember what they’ve seen?
One of the best ways I have seen to do this is with an infographic. Facts that people can see with visual representation are compelling and easy to take in. Infographics tell a story with statistics that people actually want to follow.
I recently created an infographic (using Piktochart) for Hosea Youth Services, a local nonprofit that benefits homeless youth in Eugene, OR.
This infographic was purposed present information, but also to call people to act on behalf of the organization.
How did it do this?
Well, let’s walk through a few steps that lead to a successful infographic.
- A clear title: “The Reality of Youth Homelessness” gives the reader an idea right away that this infographic is going to back up that claim.
- Visual Statistics: The data is visualized for every statistic that is offered. Different numbers of a complete group are shown by a pie chart while related percentages are shown through a bar chart. This kind of visualization adds a depth that a number on its own can not, and it also compels the viewer to take in the statistic.
- Relevant information: In this infographic example, it takes the viewer from the number of homeless youth, to the disadvantages they face in comparison to those with homes and then to the reason most of these kids are on the street. Homelessness in youth exists, it has added challenges and it is in large part due to runaways with nowhere to go.
- Call to action: The viewer is presented with something to do after facing the facts. In this case it is to donate to Hosea, which can give resources to those in the circumstances explained above.
Creating an infographic that has a purpose you can relay information in a way that saves time and calls to action. This is communcation in the visual age, and we must learn how to utilize it.
Leave your comments with ideas or questions about infographics.
