4 Ways to Improve Infographics

By Dylan Kissane06/23/2015Updated:06/26/201525 Comments3 Mins Read

It’s a well-known fact that visuals are among the most effective forms of communication, especially in the marketing world. Images are comprehended by our brains much faster than words, and tend to have a more lasting effect on our memory.

In today’s age of information overload and diminishing attention spans, it’s become increasingly important to hook readers in for longer than two minutes and keep them engaged long enough to convey every piece of data and information you have to share.

That’s where the beauty of infographics comes in. Infographics are easily digested by readers because they’re based solely on imagery, flow smoothly from topic to topic and minimize the use of lengthy text. Many companies use infographics to introduce new research and data to their audiences or further establish their brand identity. Infographics are a great way to engage readers and can be easily shared across various social media platforms. However, infographics that are sloppy, boring or uninspired are virtually useless.

Here are a few simple tips to keep in mind while creating an engaging, visually appealing and unique infographic.

1. Stick to a coherent color scheme

Just like how a huge amount of text can overwhelm a reader, so can too much color. An infographic that only uses two colors is boring and may cause the reader to lose interest, but an infographic that uses every color of the rainbow may distract the reader from the actual information or force them to click away. Smashing Magazine suggested that when in doubt, choose three primary colors and balance them accordingly. Also, remember to stay true to your brand. Include colors that suggest your brand’s tone and personality, especially if color plays a vital role in your brand recognition.

2. Switch up the typeface

Using the same typeface throughout your entire infographic is boring and negates one of the main reasons for creating an infographic in the first place. According to the source, the type of the title can spark readers’ interest, while other subsequent types can keep them engage. Similar to the rules of color, type can be overwhelming if used incorrectly, so make sure your type choices don’t clash with one another or distract from the information.

3. Make it memorable

Think outside of the bar graph box. Aim to present your data in a more unique fashion that will make your infographic stand out from the crowd and encourage readability. Even the simplest of pie charts or line graphs can be enhanced with a little creativity, which can go a long way in the minds of the readers.

4. Keep it interactive

Adding interactive elements to your infographic allows your readers to feel more in control, and obviously adds a new level of entertainment for them. Some examples of interactive features include animations, roll-over data, surveys and polls, and clickable features, as suggested by Creative Bloq magazine. Incorporating some form of interaction also transforms the infographic into an entirely new experience for the reader.

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