The simple answer is that it’s easier to process visual information. Most of us simply don’t take the time to read like we used to, and rely on skimming headlines instead. Infographics are skimmable and scannable which is how we consume information.
But this isn’t a new idea. In fact, humans have been communicating through visual language since we were cavemen. And, children have always drawn before they talk as a way to communicate.
So infographics are a great way to consume content quickly and easily, making them an ideal communication tool in todays busy world. If your goal is to have people take action, then what you have is a terrific marketing tool.
Take The Farm Board for example. This new app allows farmers to post from their fields all of the fresh veggies they have available that day. Restaurants, local markets, institutions, aggregators, farmers market managers, and the general public can go online, check the board and buy fresh produce directly from farmers or at the farmers market. The overall impact is amazing; it eliminates waste, helping farming economies to thrive, which leads to more profits for them and greater food security for the community. While this isn’t particularly complicated, it is a bit of a mouthful and much easier to understand in a simple infographic.
You don’t have to be an artist or have special software to create your own infographics. Try making simple drawings by hand to communicate your ideas to your team. Even a “bad” drawing still communicates the idea since our brains easily fill in any missing detail. If you’re more comfortable working digitally, try making your own infographics using Microsoft Publisher.
Give it a shot. You'll be amazed at how effective a simple drawing can be.
