The rapid advances in current scientific research require a clear and concise understanding of the abstractions, concepts, and processes being created. These can become increasingly complex, driven by the current research capacity of scientists, unprecedented in the history of science. This is due not only to the innovative methods they employ, but also in part to the tools at their disposal, among which Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands out, playing a very important role today.
In order to improve the transmission and retention of complex concepts and essential ideas in the learning process, infographics have become a primary teaching tool. They combine text, images, sounds, graphics, and linguistic and paralinguistic symbols (pictograms, ideograms, logograms, and sketches) with the purpose of communicating, transmitting, and teaching information in a more understandable and simple way. They allow for the synthesis of complex data, facilitate the understanding of concepts, and facilitate the learning of long and complicated processes.
The term “infographic” is a combination of the words “information” and “graphics“, making it easier to understand. It refers to the visual information to be conveyed, as well as the technique used to develop it.
An infographic is characterized as a visual representation, representing information based on diagrams, written text, or images, that summarizes or explains very complex ideas. Documents created using this technique are called infographics, and they help communicate very complex and detailed information in a more understandable way, in a visual format.
Generally speaking, authors recognize different types or groups of infographics:
1- Static: Graphic compositions with fixed elements that contain all the information to be included.
2- Dynamic: Infographics presented in video or GIF format.
3- Interactive: Those that allow the user to interact with the content they display.
Aspects to keep in mind when creating infographics:
– They should be clear and concise. The information should be easy to interpret and accurate, avoiding the use of unnecessary technical terms.
– The text used should be minimal, using short text that conveys concepts efficiently.
– The design should be attractive, and the color palette should be consistent. Fonts should be easily legible, simple, and easy to read, avoiding decorative fonts. The contrast between the background and the text should be appropriate.
– Graphics, icons, and images should complement the text and reinforce the message.
– The information should have a logical and organized structure and should be sequential.
– Correctly use arrows, numbers, visual connectors, and diagrams.
– Break down the information into sections to facilitate understanding of the content.
– Use headings, lists, and content boxes to organize ideas and make each block easy to identify.