What is the difference between “DataViz” (or data visualisation) and Infographics?

We offer workshops on both how to create tell stories with data using data visualisations (dataviz) and how to create infographics. Both can be useful in sharing your science or communicating results. Both have similarities in that they are visual forms of communication.

BUT…

In our world, these terms refer to different concepts with distinct characteristics.

The “too long didn’t read” version of this is as follows:

Infographics are broader and more narrative-driven, and although they may including graphs and charts, they typically use icons, text, and other visual elements to tell a story.

DataViz (data visualisation) is more focused on accurately depicting data to aid in analysis and understanding, typically using graphs and charts.

Here’s a breakdown of the differences.

What is an Infographic?

An infographic is a visual representation of information or data, designed to present complex information quickly and clearly. Its main goal is to inform, educate, or persuade the audience. Infographics often tell a story or provide a narrative.

Components:
Infographics usually combine various elements such as text, images, charts, graphs, and illustrations to convey information.

Design:
They are highly designed and styled, focusing on aesthetics and readability. Infographics often include colorful visuals, icons, and stylised fonts.

Content Scope:
Infographics can cover a wide range of topics, not just data-driven ones. They might include timelines, process explanations, comparisons, or summaries of research findings. They can also include journalistic content as well as graphs and charts.

Here are a few examples:

What is a DataViz (data visualisation)?

Data visualisation is the graphical representation of data. It uses visual elements like charts, graphs, and maps to help people understand the significance of the data. Typically, it involves quantitative data. With DataViz, the goal is to explore, analyse, and understand data. DataViz focuses on revealing patterns, trends, and correlations within data sets.

Data visualisations typically include data points, axes, scales, and labels. The emphasis is on accurately representing the data. While design and aesthetics are important, the primary focus is on clarity, accuracy, and functionality. DataViz tends to be more straightforward and less stylised than infographics.

DataViz is data-centric and is used for statistical analysis, data exploration, and communicating complex data insights.

What do Data Visualisations look like?
Examples include a scatter plot showing the relationship between variables, a heatmap of website traffic, or a bar chart comparing sales figures over time.

For example:

Summary of main differences

• Focus: Infographics focus on storytelling and making information accessible and engaging, while dataviz focuses on accurately and clearly representing data to reveal insights.
• Quantitative vs qualitative: DataViz is grounded in numbers and quantitiative data. Infographics can include numbers, but they typically also include journalistic content, qualitative data and storytelling elements.
• Design vs. Function: Infographics emphasize visual appeal and design, incorporating various visual elements to enhance understanding. Dataviz emphasizes accuracy and functionality, often prioritizing clarity over stylistic elements.
• Scope: Infographics can encompass a broader range of content types, including non-data-driven information, while dataviz is specifically concerned with representing data.

And that’s it!

The bottom line is that both DataViz and Infographics exist to make data more accessible, but whereas DataViz helps to identify the notable highlights of a data set, Infographics are all about visualising information and interpreting it for an audience, which may – or may not! – include graphs, charts and other common ways of visualising quantitative data.

If you’ve found this useful, you might find our DataViz and Infographics workshops, webinars and training of interest.

Curious? Get in touch!