Do you know what is an infographic? What are the purposes and benefits of using infographics, and how do you create them?
In this article, I will briefly and concisely discuss several things related to infographics, including:
- A brief explanation of what is an infographics.
- Types of infographics and examples.
- The benefits of infographics.
- Tips for creating infographics.
- Tools for creating infographics.
Infographics are very commonly used today in the delivery of data and information. Therefore, make sure you read this article to the end to better understand what is an infographic, and be able to create your own.
What is an Infographic?
Linguistically, the word infographic comes from English Infographic. In this case, the word infographic stands for Information Graphics, which is a way of conveying complex information or data to others in visual form.
So according to the origin of the word, the notion of infographics is a form of presenting data or information with visual concepts consisting of text, graphics, typography, and attractive illustrated images to make it easier to understand.
A collection of data presented in a monotonous way can make us bored. The boredom that occurs when looking at data sets often makes us not focus on what the data wants to convey.
Presentation of data and information in the form of infographics can be more interesting and eye catching so that the content of the information can be more easily understood by others.
The process of creating infographics is usually referred to by several different terms, such as; data visualization, information designand information architecture.
In general, the final result of an infographic has a higher percentage of visual images than text information. But there are also infographics that contain a lot of text.
Types of Infographics
There are several types of infographics that can be used for different purposes. These types of infographics include:
1. Static Infographics
Static infographics are infographics that are presented in a static visual form, without audio concepts or animation concepts that can move. This type of infographic is arguably the simplest type and is most often used for various needs.
Even now, a number of international events such as the exhibition on energy and oil and gas held in South Korea also often use the concept of static infographics to present data in a more attractive way.
Several infographics about Indonesia’s natural resource potential that have been made for exhibitions in South Korea are infographics on natural gas and Indonesia’s strategic energy.
Here’s an example of a static infographic,
2. Animated Infographics
Also known as animated infographicsthis type of infographic can be used on audio-visual media such as television or radio, or YouTube.
Animated infographics can be presented in 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional forms that look more complex. Viewing data and information presented with animated infographics makes it as enjoyable as watching a movie.
This type of infographic that combines audio-visual concepts looks very interesting because it combines elements of moving images with background sound that can amplify the message to be conveyed.
Although it looks interesting, how to understand the data created in animated infographics requires in-depth maturation of concepts involving a number of professions.
The people behind the creation of animated infographics usually handle the fields of animation, production, illustrator, music artist, and a number of other professions.
Here’s an example of an animated infographic,
3. Interactive Infographics
Interactive infographics are the most complex type of infographic when compared to static infographics and animated infographics. In this infographic, the target who is the target of presenting information can interact with the infographic presented.
To create a good interactive infographic, collaboration with developers or programmers is needed so that animation and interaction programming can run smoothly.
One example of an infographic that can be made interactively is information about the role of technology in SME business development.
This infographic allows us to click on each small business category which will bring up data about writing complete with animated images that move.
That way, infographic accessors can find data quickly and efficiently according to their individual needs.
Benefits of Infographics
Infographics provide many benefits that conventional data presentation does not have. In general, infographics can provide benefits to both presenters and audiences.
In accordance with the understanding of infographics mentioned earlier, here are some of the benefits of infographics for website owners.
1. Increase Brand Awareness
A professionally crafted infographic will make others aware of a brand. For example, inserting a company logo on an infographic so that readers recognize and bind to a business brand.
2. Help SEO
Usually infographics that are useful and help others will be liked by many people. That way, they are willing to use it on their site and provide a link to the source of the infographic.
This will certainly have an impact on SEO (search engine optimization).
3. Easy to Share
Useful infographics can also potentially be shared by internet users on social media or blogs. In certain cases, infographics can go viral and generate direct traffic to the website of the creator.
4. Cultivate Reading Interest
Attractive visuals will make other people more interested in reading information. That’s why a professionally crafted infographic will increase other people’s reading interest.
5. As a Promotional Media Tool
Internet users generally prefer simple and to the point content that can be achieved with infographics. That way, the presentation of promotional information will be effective if it is made in the form of infographics.
Tips for Making Interesting Infographics
Creating an infographic isn’t as difficult as many people think, but it’s not that easy either. You have to consider several things in order to produce a good and to-the-point infographic.
Referring to the notion of infographics, here are some tips for making infographics that you can apply,
1. Define the Audience
Before creating an infographic, you must know who your target audience is. This is very important, because the wrong target can potentially convey data that is not understood or misunderstood.
2. Presenting Data Simple
The use of infographics is basically to make it easier for others to understand the main topic you want to convey. Therefore, infographics should be made in a simple way to present data, but still contain content.
3. Stay On Track
Even if the data and information presented in the infographic are kept simple, make sure the information is still in accordance with what must be conveyed.
In addition to conveying the main data, we can also add other supporting information in the infographic.
4. Use Tools
There are many tools that can be used to create attractive infographics. Each of these tools has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you should choose the one that suits your needs.
How to Create Infographics with Online Tools
There are many tools that can be used to create attractive infographics. Each of these tools has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you should choose the one that suits your needs.
The following are some tools for creating infographics that we recommend.
1. Visme
This tool can be used for free and the paid version has more features. With Visme, you can create infographics for presentations, mockups, banners, posters, and more.
Here’s a video on how to create an infographic using Visme:
2. Venngage
This tool has features similar to Canva. With Venngage, you can create promotional designs, posters, infographics, and more.
This tool also provides various features such as timeline, statistics, information, geography, and so on. You can create infographics easily and quickly on Venngage.
Here’s a video on how to create an infographic using Venngage:
3. Canva
Canva is a very popular online tool and is often used to create brochures or presentation slides. Canva can also be used to quickly and easily create infographics.
Please register first so you can use this tool for free.
Here’s a video on how to create an infographic using Canva:
4. Infogram
This tool is a platform for creating simple and easy-to-use infographics. On the site there are many infographic templates that can be used to create statistical data or other things.
You can be creative yourself in making infographics. In addition, you also take advantage of existing templates by replacing them with new data.
Here’s a video on how to create an infographic using Infogram:
5. Pictochart
This tool is one of the best infographic creators you can use. With Piktochart, we can make posters, powerpoints, and reports.
On the site we can find many examples and templates of unique and cool infographics. You can choose a template by category.
Here’s a video on how to create an infographic using Piktochart:
6. Biteable
These tools can be used to create visual content in image, infographic, and video formats.
With these online tools, you can create infographics easily and quickly. There are many templates and design examples that will impress you with the final result.
In addition, Biteable can also be relied upon to create content in the form of short animations or video clips by applying various existing multimedia.
Here’s a video on how to create an infographic using Biteable:
Conclusion
Since ancient times the human brain has been very accustomed to presenting information in visual form. This can also be proven from the relics of prehistoric times in the form of paintings made as a means of communication.
Currently, humans also prefer the presentation of data and information in visual form, namely through infographics.
Infographics are minimal collections of imagery, charts, and text that provide an easy-to-understand overview of a topic.
The main key in making infographics is a visual concept with attractive illustrations and the validity of the data presented in it.
Thus an explanation of the meaning of infographics, types and some examples of its application, benefits, tips and some tools for making infographics.
Hopefully this article is useful and adds to our knowledge together.
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