Animated Infographics: Functionality and Effectiveness

Animated infographics have a useful tool for corporate communicators, offering audiences a visually compelling and comprehensible representation of complex data.

When thoughtfully designed, these animated graphics significantly enhance comprehension. However, many infographics fall short in their ability to convey how things truly work.

This article walks through animated infographics, highlighting exceptional examples and offering valuable tips for creating your own.

Exploring Animated Infographics: A Few Illustrations

Animated infographics share similarities with writing but also possess distinct qualities, drawing from various communication disciplines.

They provide diverse means of presenting information with careful consideration of both structure and aesthetics.

While numerous comparisons exist between writing and infographic design, several less apparent points warrant attention:

Design

Infographic design transcends mere information formatting; it encompasses graphics, content flow, rhetoric, and tone as integral elements.

Content Flow

With animated infographics, it's advantageous to think in terms of multi-directional content flow rather than linear narratives.

These designs are akin to maps, guiding viewers to grasp information immediately, regardless of their entry point, chosen sequence, or focus.

Closure

Unlike other forms of communication, infographics aim to convey information swiftly and efficiently, often limited in depth and breadth. They demand factual accuracy, assuming the reader's acceptance of the presented facts due to spatial constraints.

Well-crafted animated infographics, like their static counterparts, possess the potential to be powerful and engaging communication tools.

Captivating Examples of Animated Infographics

(You can click the hyperlinks to see these examples.)

1. How to Build a Human: Eleanor Lutz, a designer and PhD student at the University of Washington, showcases the human journey from fertilization to birth in a dynamic index. The animation not only mirrors the diagram and text but also makes the process more tangible and less abstract.

2. How a Car Engine Works: The O'Neal brothers of Animagraffs fame demonstrate how multiple infographics can combine to convey a wealth of technical information effectively, with animation contributing to the overall understanding.

3. 42 Butterflies of North America: Eleanor Lutz's work introduces an innovative approach where animation, while not directly conveying processes or distinctions, adds an entertaining and aesthetic dimension. These animations create visual polyrhythms, engaging viewers in different ways based on their interaction and perspective.

4. Why Your Brain Craves Infographics: NeoMam Studios employs animations, some interactive, to add fun and humor to their infographic. The animations enhance engagement while the primary information delivery relies on static components.

The Value of Animated Infographics

Animated infographics offer several advantages:

• Novelty: As many businesses have yet to embrace animated infographics, they present an opportunity for differentiation.

• Enhanced Communication: Infographics, both static and animated, excel at helping audiences absorb substantial information in an engaging manner. The O'Neal brothers' work demonstrates how technical content can become accessible and entertaining.

However, it's crucial to strike a balance between animation and efficiency, as adding animation can increase production time and costs.

Creating Animated Infographics

Several approaches and technologies can be used to create animated infographics. GIF-infographics, in particular, are relatively easy to create using tools like Photoshop. 

Key Considerations for Effective Animated Infographics

To craft a successful animated infographic, follow these key principles:

Accuracy, Succinctness, and Clarity

These qualities remain fundamental, ensuring that the infographic effectively condenses and accelerates information absorption.

Style

Infographics should reflect your brand's distinctive style, representing your organization's culture, outlook, and product perspective.

Content Suitability

The decision to use animation should align with the purpose, whether it's conveying motion, enhancing the viewer's experience, or serving other goals.

Beyond Moving Parts: The Dynamics of Information

Animated infographics involve more than just animated elements; they encompass the entire context of information and experience. While animation can enhance communication, it's essential to consider how it impacts the overall flow and interactivity.

The Multifaceted Nature of Static Infographics

Static infographics offer a wide range of movements, encouraging viewers to explore content and focus on what interests them. They present information as an open map, relying less on linear narratives and more on accessible formats.

Animated infographics represent a potent and engaging communication tool. They hold significant potential for branding differentiation, enhanced business communication, and improved customer engagement when executed effectively.