Graphically representing data and information is certainly one of the best way to draw conclusions, support claims and satisfy our inherent desire for knowledge. We have all used typical visualizations such as pie charts and bar graphs, but artists and designers have this great ability to combine data, information and beautiful artwork in their creation of infographics.

Infographics are visual representations of data and information where conclusions can be drawn quickly and in an organized fashion. They range from simple street signs to incredibly large and complex tax spending visualizations and are largely used in print publications such as Wired magazine. Is there a place for these beautiful infographics in the workplace? Is the creation of infographics a waste of resources?

In my opinion, the use of infographics for internal use can be an unnecessary waste of corporate resources. Presentations should not contain graphical representations that require the presenter to explain or justify the design – recognizable graphs and data tables are often sufficient. It is not beneficial to have a representation that requires plenty of time to understand or one that is not readable when printed on a standard size of paper.

So, where are infographics most useful? Trade shows and other external gatherings can be very useful places to present your data, information and knowledge in a creative manner. A catchy graphic can grab the attention of passers-by and spark a meaningful conversation about your organization that may have otherwise not occurred. It is important to know that while the graphic can be the initiator of contact, it is crucial to have the raw data available to support your findings and answer questions regarding the process.

Overall, infographics offer a creative way to represent, often boring, numbers. Such visualizations can show a new level of data comprehension, but can also detract from the analysis if you need to explain how the visualization is to be read – be conscious of size and the time required for the the viewer to draw their own conclusions.

I encourage you to check out this site for some of the best looking infographic images on the Web.