Information Graphics


Description:

An information graphic or illustration chart is "a chart consisting solely or mainly of a sketch, picture, photograph, drawing, etc. When text is included, its primary function is generally to explain or give additional insight into the subject illustrated on the chart, usually in the form of notes, labels or a legend." (Harris, 1999, p.196)

Observe Gestalt principles, particularly proximity, when placing text within the graphic.

Other communication formats:
Icons fall into this category, as do organization charts and process flows.

Strengths:

  • A well executed graphic can significantly lower the cognitive load
  • Communicates a large amount of data at once

Uses:

  • Communicating information
  • Illustrating sequential or complex procedural information
  • Showing the "insides" of things

Weaknesses:

  • Works best with concrete themes
  • The abstract the theme the more "symbolic" the image, the more open to cultural interpretation.
  • Poorly chosen illustrations confuse and distract the viewer

Links: