Difference between revisions of "Infographic"

Difference between revisions of "Infographic"

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*'''Color scheme'''
 
*'''Color scheme'''
Most infographics use colors and elements that show up on the screen. These techniques also work with e-Learning screens. In fact, you should start by finding an infographic you like and then replicating the layout on the e-Learning course screen. That will give you some practice playing with layout and colors. While you may never design an infographic, making it a habit to review them is a worthwhile pursuit that can inspire your own e-Learning course design.
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Most infographics use colors and elements that show up on the screen. These techniques also work with e-Learning screens. In fact, you should start by finding an infographic you like and then replicating the layout on the e-Learning course screen. That will give you some practice playing with layout and colors. While you may never design an infographic, making it a habit to review them is a worthwhile pursuit that can inspire your own e-Learning course design. }}
 
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=='''Job Aid'''==
 
=='''Job Aid'''==
 
[[Image: pdf.png]] [[Media:Using_Accelerated_Learning_Techniques.pdf‎| Designing an effective infographic]]
 
[[Image: pdf.png]] [[Media:Using_Accelerated_Learning_Techniques.pdf‎| Designing an effective infographic]]
 
  
 
{{Addlink|Find below additional information and resources.}}
 
{{Addlink|Find below additional information and resources.}}

Revision as of 14:49, 7 August 2012

Term2.png INFOGRAPHIC
Blend of the words information and graphic, the term indicates a visual representation of complex data or concepts through images, colours, graphs and illustrations. They are designed to make large amounts of complex data understandable ‘at a glance’; in fact, the visual element enhances the decoding and retention of the message. Well-designed infographics have perceptual, motivational, and cognitive characteristics that make them exceptionally valuable for instructional content, including improving:
  • clarity and conciseness
  • ability to make sense of complex information
  • focus on key information
  • engagement
  • ease of remembering.

This type of visual representation is used worldwide in every discipline and many examples can be found in our everyday environment, from street signs and underground maps, to weather charts and newspaper articles.[1]


Types of Infographics

Traditionally, visualizations have included charts, maps or diagrams. Nowadays, infographics implement these elements with a creative and imaginative use of colorful icons and illustrations. There are several inspiring types of infographics; below are listed some of the most popular formats accessible online.

  • Timelines [2]
  • Flowcharts[3]
  • Annotated maps[4]
  • Pie and line charts [5]
  • Diagrams (Venn, networks) [6]
  • Size comparisons [7]
  • Typographic (where typefaces are used to create an image) [8]


Overview of online tools for creating infographics

Provided below is an overview of the most popular online tools currently available to create infographics from different templates and customizable elements. Some of these tools come in two versions – free and proprietary. In general, free versions allow users, upon registration, to use basic templates and a limited set of graphic elements to create their infographic. Proprietary versions allow users to access a wider set of templates and functionalities.
Tool Specialization Description Free/Proprietary
Piktochart Generic With a set of professional design tools, Piktochart helps users in designing presentations. They can combine themes, shapes, icons, vectors, text, uploaded images and export charts. Free version: it allows users to create simple and neat infographics based on 3 basic themes.

Paid version: contains a high-quality range of templates and customizable elements; features a Drag-and-drop system that lets users easily insert images, icons, charts and graphics.

Tableau Public Generic Desktop product that can be used to publish interactive data to the web. Once on the web, anyone can interact with the data, download it, or create their own visualizations from it. No programming skills are required. Free
Google Public Data Data sets Service that lets users easily take public data -pulled from the US Census Bureau - and transform it into an infographic. Embedded charts and links can be updated automatically so users are always sharing the latest available data. Free
Tableau Public Generic Desktop product that can be used to publish interactive data to the web. Once on the web, anyone can interact with the data, download it, or create their own visualizations from it. No programming skills are required. Free
Many Eyes Data sets It consists of a collection of data visualizations that can be viewed, modified and discussed with other users. Free version: visualizations can be created only from existing data sets.

Paid version: members can upload their own data.

Flux VFX Video It consists of a repository of templates created with Adobe After Effects that users can download. All photos/videos and text areas can be easily filled in with personal content. Templates have to be paid for.
Stat Silk Video Tool for creating interactive maps using data available from their data sets. Free
Hohli Charts Chart builder that allows the creation of a wide range of charts (e.g Venn diagrams, lines, bar and pie charts, scatter plots). Free
Creately Diagrams and charts It lets users create diagrams and flow charts, which can be edited by multiple users at the same time thanks to its Online Collaboration feature. Available in two versions: online and desktop. The desktop version needs a paying license.

Free online version: it offers a limited number of diagrams, users and collaborators. Paid online version: it allows group of people working on unlimited diagrams and projects.

Cacoo Diagrams Drawing tool that allows users to create a variety of diagrams (e.g. site maps, wire frames, UML and network charts) and collaborate online with other editors. One of its best features is that it can be associated to your Google+ account to share diagrams during a live video chat in Google+ Hangouts. Free version: it allows exporting only into PNG format for a maximum of 25 sheets; shared folders and editors are limited.

Paid versions: more services are available, as unlimited shared folders and editors.

Vizify's Tweetsheet Twitter Tool for monitoring Twitter activity. In a few seconds, it transforms a number of tweets, the most-retweeted posts, top followers, geographic impact and favorite themes into an infographic. Free
Wordle Wordle cloud “Word clouds” generator from texts that users provide. It is possible to personalize the clouds with different fonts, layouts and color schemes. Users can print images out, save them to the Wordle gallery to share with others or embed them into blogs and websites. Free


Toolkit.png Designing an effective infographic
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Job Aid

Pdf.png Designing an effective infographic

Link icon.png Web Resources
Find below additional information and resources.
Link Content
An Overview of the Principles of Adult Learning. Infographic on basic principles of Adult Learning.
Understanding Kirkpatrick’s 4 Levels of Evaluation Infographic representing Kirkpatrick Model.
The ADDIE Model: A Visual Representation Graphical representation of A.D.D.I.E Model.
Pdf.png Visualizing Information for Advocacy This article is an introduction to information design addressed to organizations involved in advocacy and research activities.
The value of visualisation (Video, 1,43 min) In this video the author explains the importance of infographics in improving communication.

References

  1. www.onextrapixel.com (7 August 2012), www.learningsolutionsmag.com (7 August 2012)
  2. http://www.wiinintendo.net
  3. http://blog.intuit.com
  4. http://www.dominionpaper.ca
  5. http://www.gbltd.com
  6. http://www.viewtific.com
  7. http://www.loveinfographics.com
  8. http://media.noupe.com