What Are Information Graphics?
Information graphics, also know as infographics, are simply graphical depictions that illustrate information. These can be as simple as the green “walk” symbol used at intersections for pedestrians. A more complex example is a map for a mass transit system. Graph and pie charts used for statistical, scientific and mathematical data are also considered to be information graphics.
Information graphics are generally used in place of written instructions or descriptions when an image can provide a less convoluted explanation to the observer than words. For example, explaining a weather forecast in pure text would be inefficient when a few simple graphic depictions can be used to convey the same information, perhaps to an even more encompassing degree. Some graphics work so well because they become instantly identifiable symbols in a culture, such as the male and female restroom graphics. As the saying goes, a picture says a thousand words.
