This post communicates the how and why of using infographics. Though it fits more appropriately with our education series, most of these videos justify infographics as a marketing tool too.
Here are our four favourite videos about infographics. Each is less than five minutes long, and each speaks to why infographics are a useful tool and how you can build a great one all by yourself.
The Value of Visualization
This gorgeous video by Column Five outlines the “why” of visual information. It simultaneously inspires and informs when discussing the relationship between data and design.
Key takeaways:
- Infographics are where data meets design
- Infographics are how you communicate what matters (in regards to data) by telling and ultimately sharing a visual story
Your Brain on Visualization
This video by Brian Harris expands further on the “why” of consuming visual information, providing more pointed facts and creating a bigger case for infographics as a communication tool. If you ever need to give your boss (or students) a reason for why infographics are an effective medium for educating and informing, simply show them this.
Key takeaways:
- Infographics are effective for educating, marketing, and anything in between: quality infographics are 30 times more likely to be read than text articles
- People love images: 65% of people are visual learners, and infographics make it easier to learn and remember things
The 5 Keys to Infographics
This video by Mordy Golding outlines what he identifies as the five keys to quality to infographics. I have to say, I agree with his assessment. He offers a full course at Lynda that expands on the short video, but it gets a bit specialized as it goes on.
Key takeaways:
- Mordy identifies the five attributes of a great infographic as C.H.A.R.T.: Contrast, Hierarchy, Accuracy, Relevance, and Truth.
Infographics as Creative Assessment
If you’re an educator, you need to know about Kathy Schrock; she has a lot to say and teach in regards to educating with infographics. The video below is a two-minute preview of her 50-minute discussion on the craft. In it, she outlines the best practices for using infographics as a teaching tool.
Key takeaways:
- Keep it simple
- Decide on a colour scheme
- Research facts and stats
- Check arguments
- Make complex data easy to understand
- Draw conclusions
- Cite sources