Data Visualizations and Infographics
A picture is worth a thousand words. Its an old saying, but its just as poignant today. We are surrounded by more data than ever before. To help simplify what can be an overwhelming amount of numbers and statistics, data visualizations and infographics are able to condense your message down into a clear, concise, and creative display. Not only are they more visually pleasing to look at, they are also more easy to understand. Data visualizations and infographics are increasingly being used by non-profits to talk about their need, but what are they and how can you use them?
Data Visualizations are a presentation of data in a pictorial or graphical format. Check out the periodic table of data visualizations. It details a wide variety of visualizations, and breaks them down in a super nerdy/awesome periodic table. It is also helpful in understanding how certain visualizations are used - i.e. for information, metaphor, etc. As for infographics, a great definition (using infographics!) can be seen here.
Data visualizations and infographics are similar in their use and function, but they have a couple key differences. The most basic comparison is that infographics are generally used for a very specific topic or issue, while data visualizations are more often used to make sense of a large quantity of information, or data. This makes infographics generally more helpful for non-profits, since they are often working in specific avenues of need. For a more in depth article on the similarities and differences, go here.
So data visualizations and infographics seem great, but how can you use them to your benefit? In General they can be used for almost anything. Visual.ly is a great site that has tons of infographics and data visualizations. They even have one for what it costs to be Batman! However, they are just as versatile for non-profits. They can be used to show the need your non-profit is addressing, the change occurring in non-profits over time, or even the effectiveness of social media.
Now that you've heard the benefits, are there any drawbacks to infographics and data visualizations? They have been criticized for a lack of emotion. While they are succinct and often beautiful portrayals of data, they don’t necessarily incite people to action. The lack of emotion can turn into slacktivism. To combat this, infographics are easily combined with the passion and emotion of your team and your need, to make both a compelling and easily understandable message that will cause people to act instead of just “like”.
Data visualizations and infographics are great ways for your nonprofit to get its message across. Though you may want to be careful with their usage and make sure you include emotion, they are still far superior to straight data. If you’re still looking for more information, check out this fascinating Ted Talks video on the subject. Happy Visualizing!
Written by Interactive for Good's intern Carissa Tsiris











