Our brains absorb visual information all at once, interpreting images in as few as 13 milliseconds. Visual aids can help readers make sense of complex data, and they have a wide range of business applications. Ease of processing makes infographics a compelling way to sway customers, communicate with employees, and share essential company updates.
Learn what an infographic is and how well-designed infographics can improve your communication efforts.
What is an infographic?
Infographics are designed images, usually paired with copy, that explain or communicate information. They aim to present information in an easy-to-digest format. Infographics often use data visualization tools, like charts, maps, and bar graphs, alongside illustrations and other visual elements to create engaging displays.
When to use an infographic
You might consider using an infographic whenever you want to break down a complex topic or educate your target audience on product features or brand values. Here are some common ways that businesses use them:
- Presentations and pitches. Infographics are a clear, efficient way to show progress or business goals to investors or lenders. These designs are well-suited to business presentations because of how quickly and easily your audience can digest them.
- Blog posts and social media content. Infographics can be eye-catching (make people stop scrolling) and communicate important marketing messages (like what customer pain point a product addresses).
- Email marketing. Infographics can communicate product benefits, walk through how-tos, and tell stories without long blocks of text. All of these are natural fits for short, engagingmarketing emails.
- Internal communications. Infographics can help explain upcoming initiatives or educate new employees on common processes.
Types of infographics
- Timeline infographics
- Process infographics
- Comparison infographics
- Statistical infographics
- Hierarchical infographics
- Informational infographics
There are plenty of ways to depict information through graphic design. Here are a few common types of infographics you can use to simplify complex information:
Timeline infographics
Timelines use a linear layout to show how events have or will unfold over time. A milestones timeline can explain how a company or product has evolved since its inception. Creating a timeline for future goals can set expectations for internal teams or investors.
Dental hygiene company Cocolab shared a timeline on Instagram to celebrate its 10-year anniversary. Each slide of this slideshow post highlights key moments from the company’s past in a simple, interactive format.
Process infographics
Process infographics provide step-by-step explanations or instructions. An ecommerce company might use a process graphic for consumer education, creating an illustrated guide to show customers how to use a product or explain a unique aspect of the company’s production method.
This infographic explains how to build morning and evening skin care routines with Glossier products. The minimalist graphics and background communicate that a skin care routine is, ultimately, a simple, achievable process.
Comparison infographics
Comparison infographics highlight key differences between two or more things. For ecommerce businesses, comparison infographics may be a useful way to showcase new features after an update or explain how your product differs from competitors.
Quip shared this infographic to explain the differences between its three electronic toothbrushes. Displaying key product specs side-by-side makes it easy for customers to identify features and find the best product for their needs.
Statistical infographics
Statistical infographics use visualization techniques to help viewers interpret data or statistics. They often include charts, graphs, or text callouts to organize data, highlight trends, and represent complex ideas. Business owners might use a statistical infographic to back up an argument with facts. This tool could help present data in a team update or make a compelling case to investors.
This infographic from subscription produce service Odd Bunch uses text callouts and color to organize statistics into an easy-to-read display:
Hierarchical infographics
Hierarchical infographics organize information according to importance, priority, or authority. Businesses may use this type of graphic to communicate workflows or to create a company organization chart. The activewear brand Set Active uses an infographic to communicate its product taxonomy, using key brand colors:
Informational infographics
Informational infographics call attention to key facts. They often use graphic elements and color to display short pieces of text in a visually appealing, easy-to-read format. Businesses can use this style of infographic to highlight specific features or explain important details about their product.
United by Blue, a sustainable home goods and apparel company, shared this infographic highlighting key facts about plastic consumption. Each slide includes a short fact and supporting materials—it only takes a few seconds to scroll through the information and gain a high-level understanding.
8 infographic examples
Sometimes, it’s easiest to understand how infographics can serve your own business by seeing how others have developed theirs. See how brands have used infographics to tell a story, share information, and connect with consumers:
1. Ruggable
This infographic from Ruggable makes it easy to understand how different rug sizes look next to common living room furniture pieces. It provides a quick answer to a common consumer request for a rug size guide—a useful reference image for Ruggable customers.
2. Daily Harvest
This comparison infographic calls attention to key benefits of Daily Harvest products, using nutrition facts to argue that Daily Harvest smoothies are superior to green juice. Focusing on data makes this message feel objective and honest instead of salesy.
3. Who Gives a Crap
This flowchart from sustainable toilet paper company Who Gives a Crap provides clear, actionable advice. Color organizes the information—using a different shade for each subject helps people navigate the chart like a decision tree.
4. Blueland
This striking statistical infographic makes a big impact with minimal text. Assigning each microplastic source a bubble size makes it easy to identify the largest source at a single glance. Blueland used scale to add a creative, interactive twist to this design—the full image is visible across several images in an Instagram carousel. Users swipe through each slide to find the total figure associated with tea bags.
5. Coravin
Coravin created this illustrated infographic when it introduced its sparkling wine preservation tool. The design helps readers by highlighting key features and explaining how to use the product. Instead of linear instructions, this graphic uses a circle to describe the operation—this layout highlights the fact that the process can repeat, a key element of Coravin’s value proposition.
6. Immi Eats
Immi Ramen uses infographics for consumer education. The product page for its signature high-protein ramen includes several illustrated charts explaining how its product compares to other ramen brands. This illustrated graphic helps quickly show consumers how to properly cook Immi noodles.
7. Caraway
This comparison infographic uses intersecting images to contrast Caraway products with competitors. The concise text makes this infographic skimmable—it’s easy to grasp the takeaway in just a few seconds. Color blocking helps reinforce the distinction between the two options.
8. Ooni
This infographic from pizza oven maker Ooni’s 2023 impact report uses color and graphics elements to structure a large amount of information in an approachable way. Becoming a regenerative business requires an in-depth look at multiple levels of operation. Dividing this goal into nine categories and three sections allows the document to provide detailed information about each step without overwhelming the reader. Adding icons to the top of the sections helps break up the text and retain the reader’s attention.
Infographic examples FAQ
What is an example of an infographic?
An infographic is a combination of text, images, and graphic elements used to communicate information. The step-by-step guide to handwashing often displayed in public restrooms is an example of an infographic; it uses simple illustrations and written instructions to demonstrate proper handwashing technique.
How do I create an infographic?
Creating an infographic involves arranging images, graphic elements, and text into a visually pleasing format. Infographic creators use graphic design software, such as Photoshop or Canva, to build new designs from a blank canvas. You can also search for pre-made infographictemplates to find inspiration and simplify the design process.
What is the best tool to create an infographic?
The best infographic design tool depends on your budget and skill level. Experienced graphic designers may prefer professional tools like Adobe Photoshop or Adobe InDesign. Those without graphic design experience can create infographics with beginner-friendly tools like Canva.
