Infographics – how to use them and why

Humans are visual beings. That means we like to look at pictures rather than read wordy documents. It helps us process information more efficiently. When looking at pictures close to 50% of our brain is involved in processing what we see, and we do that in less than 0:01 seconds. You can cover a lot of information in literally a blink of an eye.

There is a reason for the saying: “a picture is worth a thousand words”, it’s true. It helps to keep this in mind when you’re creating something for a very busy audience whose time is oh so precious.This fact is also a reason why traffic and bathroom signs are symbols rather than text. Not to mention that medicine labels are far easier understood when they include pictures than when they’re only text.Have you ever tried to follow instructions to put something together that is only text? Were you very successful? Probably not. That’s why IKEA’s instructions are so easy to understand; they consist of very clear pictures are very little text (it also crosses language barriers).When we see pictures in presentations and instructions it makes us understand the content easily, we process them faster, and we also remember them better. They are also more persuasive than pure text.As an added bonus, infographics are usually fun and are therefore more likely shared on social media platforms. This means that your brand can grow a staggering 12% more if you’re using infographics. BUT they need to capture your audience, so they want to come back for more.And in the last few years, the online search for infographics has grown dramatically. Between 2010 and 2012 the use of search term ‘infographic’ has increased by 800%. People want them, so give them what they want: engaging, valuable and informative infographics.So why not consider creating an infographic out of your next presentation, report, essay, or a dry text document?Source: JeffBullas.com