Infographics are a way of visualising information and data in a way that is memorable and easy to understand for the viewer. There are thirteen main types of infographic, each of which serves a variety of purposes when communicating different kinds of information.
• Single Charts: Single charts include bar and line graphs. They are simple visualisations of data. These are easily recognised and interpreted, but possibly not the most interesting way of presenting data. Single Charts are great for use in formal settings – like for example, in corporate presentations and sales pitches.
• Flow Charts: A flow chart begins at a ‘starting point’ and looks at the result of each subsequent action in order to predict possible results. Flow charts are useful for decision making, or to document, study, and improve processes.
• Timelines: Timelines show how a topic has changed over time. This device is useful for showing changes to a subject across several years – like for example, the backstory of a business, or the progress of historical events.
• Mixed-Chart Infographics: A Mixed Chart Infographic has a range of chart styles representing different types of data. This type of infographic is visually engaging and attention-grabbing for the viewer. Icons in Mixed Chart Infographics may be used to emphasise and clarify any points made through statistics. These icons can also be designed to amplify a sense of brand personality – i.e. the ‘image’ that you want your business to put across to clients.
• Visualised Infographics: These use images to emphasise data.
• Photographics: Photographics combine data and photography to create an engaging and visual presentation that clearly explains the data.
• Hierarchical Infographic: A Hierarchical Infographic arranges data from top to bottom according to ranking. A pyramid chart is an example of a Hierarchical Infographic.
• Location Graphics: Location Graphics show data according to location – i.e. in map format. These charts are useful for displaying population data.
• Instructional Diagrams: Instructional Diagrams are a step-by-step guide about how to use a product or service. They should clearly illustrate what needs to be done for the product to work successfully. This helps users to more easily understand instructions than simply using text alone.
• Comparison Charts: Comparison Charts show data side by side for quick and easy analysis.
• Anatomical Infographics: These break down the subject into individual components and then labels them – like for example, medical anatomical drawings.
• List Infographics: List Infographics list information about the topic in question. They are good for longer bodies of text which may require more space, and which are not as easily translated into a visualisation.