Creativity's Weapon against Information Overload: Infographics

Visual representation of information has always been present, but the usage of infographics has significantly increased since 2007 due to the usage of digital media platforms. Why is this? There is actually an inforgraphic that answers that particular question, which you can find here.

Pictures taken as snapshot from original website.

Neomam Studios show thirteen reasons why people find infographics a more appealing way of receiving information than reading or listening. Visual representation of data is faster, more engaging and more memorable. A picture is worth a thousand words, but when you compare how much time each would take, it becomes obvious which option would be preferable.

Keeping in mind that digital media has introduced an era of information overload, attention spans and memory space have significantly decreased. Not only are time-consuming pieces of information harder to perceive, they are easier to forget. Often we even decide not to pay attention. Infographics tackle all of these issues, because they engage our senses. Color and design inspire novelty, which, according to Mark Smiciklas, attracts attention when our brains have become accustomed to similarities and have stopped paying attention (2012).

Infographics have actually been used long before the appearance of the World Wide Web. One example is Florence Nightingale's infographic introduced to battle mortality among British troops during the Crimean War.

Image taken from here.

The reason behind the rapid increase in their popularity is the opportunity for people to share them through social media. Additionally, since the population has shifted from traditional media to digital platforms, businesses and organizations use this medium in order to reach people and convey their messages more effectively (Lankow, 2012). Infographics' visual appeal and novelty attracts attention and inspires, turning long and dull passages into an interactive and enjoyable experience.

Sources:
LANKOW, J., RITCHIE, J., CROOKS, R., 2012, Infographics: The Power of Visual Storytelling, Wiley

SMICIKLAS, M., 2012, The Power of Infographics: using pictures to communicate and connect with your audiences, Que Publishing