Infographics are visual representations of information and/or data. The infographic is graphically designed and may include flow charts, graphs, images, animated characters and colour. The best infographics use striking visual effects and limited written text.
Most people will have come across an infographic before, but they shouldn’t be confused with posters. A poster doesn’t typically relay the same amount of complex information through visual representations, and infographics are found online.
The different types of infographics
There are different types of infographics based on their intent, which often influences the design. Some of the most common types of infographics are:
- Timeline infographics
- Geographic infographics
- Statistical infographics
- Process infographics
- Comparison infographics
What are the benefits of using infographics?
The main purpose and benefit of an infographic is to allow the reader to digest complex information quickly. Readers could be put off learning about the topic if they have to read blocks of text or even look at standalone graphs. But they’ll be more likely to take the time to understand if this information can be consumed quickly through striking visuals and an engaging design.
Infographics are frequently used by businesses that want to try and sell their product or service online. They use infographics to show how the thing they’re selling solves a problem by utilising data that backs up their claims. Infographics can and should also be used by non-commercial entities, including education establishments.
Where can education providers use infographics?
Schools, colleges and universities of all types could benefit from using infographics, especially on their website. Two types of infographics may be of specific interest, namely timeline infographics and process infographics. As their name suggests, these types of infographics tell readers about a planned or previous timeline of events and how processes work, respectively.
They could be useful when the education provider wants to:
- Provide a visual story of the development of the school to prospective students and their parents
- Explain to students how the school day, a subject curriculum or even how a school trip will proceed
- Explain to students and their parents the process of student enrolment or another key process, such as taking exams
- Statistical infographics could also be used to promote specific subjects or encourage at-home revision and study
- Increase their website’s exposure and attract more enquiries and leads
The final reason to use an infographic stated above is to do with Search Engine Optimisation (SEO). Google loves it when websites include their own bespoke imagery. Consequently, the search engine is more likely to index the website page that includes the infographic higher on search engine result pages, which in theory should make it get more attention and clicks. Although, this should be combined with other SEO techniques for best results.
Common infographic mistake
Deciding to use an infographic is a smart move. But there are still some common pitfalls to avoid after deciding to use an infographic. One of the biggest infographic mistakes is when they’re made without serious consideration of your existing branding. If the infographic is inconsistent with what else is on your website, visitors do realise and it can be off-putting.
A lack of carefully considered infographic branding usually occurs when using free infographic tool makers online. These tools might build you an infographic for free, but they usually have limitations that prevent you from making them your own. Collaborating with a professional graphic designer is one of the best ways to ensure your infographic looks fantastic and is 100% unique to your brand.
Infographic design and creation services for schools
WEBPRO Educations specialises in providing graphic design services to education providers. As part of our wide-ranging services, we can design and create bespoke infographics on any subject with your branding at the heart of our work. Contact us now to discuss your infographic vision and to receive a no-obligation free quote.
Recap: An infographic is a visual representation of information and data which includes high-quality visuals and creative graphs or similar. It allows readers to consume the information quickly, when otherwise they may have refused to read a large block of text to understand. Education providers can benefit from using infographics on their website, such as using them to explain enrolment processes or curriculum timelines. But it’s essential to make your infographic consistent with your brand.
WEBPRO Knows
An infographic is 30 times more likely to be completely read than a news article!
