It seems infographics are everywhere.
- Do you know what they are?
- Do you think they’re cool?
- Or a rubber band ball of confusion?
Effective infographics keep it simple – and you know how we love simple. If you still don’t know what one looks like, here is a site devoted to it.
The Light and Dark Side
Although some would have you believe this is the newest form of communication, infographics have been around forever.
Okay, slight exaggeration, unless you consider the cave paintingsas the earliest form.
- When done right, there’s a lot to love about them
- Unfortunately, there are plenty that resemble that rubber band ball
- Colorful but confusing
The Light Side
- They condense the complex into simple visuals
- They are visually appealing
- They elicit a response – interest, curiosity
A good infographic has many uses.
- A visual depiction in a white paper or report
- A flow chart that maps out a process
- A design that illustrates a relationship
- Story-telling beyond words
The Dark Side
Sadly, there is a dark side to this latest trend.
- Inaccurate information or depiction
- A cluttered or distorted graphic
- Gimmicky link bait for the designer or site
Have you been receiving as many requests as I have for linking to someone’s latest creation?
Enough already.
That’s part of the reason this post isn’t peppered with examples.
Business Communication 101
Our mantra for any form of business communication is –
Keep it simple, clear & uniquely yours
Keep it Simple – Don’t Lose Your Message in the Delivery
When an infographic becomes more of a pretty picture than a communication tool, you’ve lost your message.
A pattern I’ve noticed –
- Many seem to go on, and on, and on
- You scroll until you feel like you fell down Alice’s rabbit hole
- Okay for a Disney cartoon
- Not my idea of a captivating message
Keep it Clear – Stay Focused on Your Message
Do you know what your message is? Like any good business communication, a clear message is the foundation for all that surrounds it.
Too many distractions buries your message.
- Keep the message simple and clear
- Keep supporting information credible
- Keep it relevant – something readers relate to
I’ve seen a lot of buried messages in infographics.
Keep it Uniquely Yours
I have never been a fan of doing something just because everyone else is. This hot form of communication has plenty of potential, but make it your own.
- Keep it original
- Keep it unique
- Keep it yours
Putting it All Together
When it comes to graphics, I’m a talented amateur. And it shows. Typically, I like to leave it to the professionals.
If this form of communication is your cup of tea – remember – keep it simple, clear & uniquely yours.
What’s your take on infographics?
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Helping you Keep it simple, clear & uniquely yours – contact me for help with your business writing needs.
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Yes! The whole point of infographics is to make things clearer and easier to understand. If they turn into tomes, then what’s the point?
Never even considered it! Good post, Cathy. Good to know that someone’s keeping an eye on relevance! 🙂
Sharon – couldn’t agree more. Are you getting bombarded with these or should I take it personally? 🙂
Lori-I just think that you have a much more interesting life. 😀
Not sure if the pix put on my blogs qualify, but when I took them off at one point folks complained… kiss is a great motto.
Hi Anne: I guess mine would be a spin of KISC&UY-almost as confusing as a bad infographic. 🙂
Lol, they’re just everywhere, Cathy. I like them but only if they are simple and expand my knowledge. Some are obviously done by people who thought they’d throw something together because infographics are hot.Then there are those where I really learn something – those I share!
I like them, too, Sharon, when (like you said) they are simple – ♥ that word 🙂