Visualizations versus Infographics

Visualizations and infographics are both visual representations of data that are often confused. In fact, there is not a clear line of demarcation between the two. Both are informative. Both can be static or animated. Both require a knowledgeable person to create them.

VizInfo5-13-2017

Visualizations Explore

Data visualizations are created to make sense of data visually and to explore data interactively. Visualization is mostly automatic, generated through the use of data analysis software, to create graphs, plots, and charts. The visualizations can use the default settings of the software or involve Data Artistry and labeling (i.e., these Enhanced Visualizations fall in the intersection of the two circles in the figure). The processes used to create visualizations can be applied efficiently to almost any dataset. Visualizations tend to be more objective than infographics and better for allowing audiences to draw their own conclusions, although the audience needs to have some skills in data analysis. Data visualizations do not contain infographics.

Infographics Explain

Infographics are artistic displays intended to make a point using information. They are specific, elaborate, explanatory, and self-contained. Every infographic is unique and must be designed from scratch for visual appeal and overall reader comprehension. There is no software for automatically producing infographics the way there is for visualizations. Infographics are combinations of illustrations, images, text, and even visualizations designed for general audiences. Infographics are better than visualizations for guiding the conclusions of an audience but can be more subjective than visualizations.

Visualization Infographic
Objective Analyze Communicate
Audience Some data analysis skills General audience
Components Points, lines, bars, and other data representations Graphic design elements, text, visualizations
Source of Information Raw data Analyzed data and findings
Creation Tool Data analysis software Desktop publishing software
Replication Easily reproducible with new data Unique
Interactive or Static Either Static
Aesthetic Treatment Not necessary Essential
Interpretation Left to the audience Provided to the audience

REFERENCES

http://jacobjwalker.effectiveeducation.org/blog/2017/05/12/data-artistry-using-and-sharing-the-knowledge-in-an-effective-manner/

http://killerinfographics.com/blog/data-visualization-versus-infographics.html

http://killerinfographics.com/infographic-design-start-finish.html

http://www.arena-media.co.uk/blog/2012/09/whats-the-difference-between-an-infographic-and-data-visualisation/

http://www.dummies.com/programming/big-data/big-data-visualization/understanding-the-difference-between-data-visualization-and-infographics/

http://www.thefunctionalart.com/2014/03/infographics-to-reveal-visualizations.html

https://eagereyes.org/blog/2010/the-difference-between-infographics-and-visualization

https://visage.co/throwdown-data-visualization-vs-infographics/

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About statswithcats

Charlie Kufs has been crunching numbers for over thirty years. He retired in 2019 and is currently working on Stats with Kittens, the prequel to Stats with Cats.
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