Information graphics or
infographics are graphic visual representations of
information,
data or
knowledge intended to present information quickly and clearly. They can improve cognition by utilizing graphics to enhance the human visual system’s ability to see patterns and trends. Similar pursuits are
information visualization,
data visualization,
statistical graphics,
information design, or
information architecture. Infographics have evolved in recent years to be for mass communication, and thus are designed with fewer assumptions about the readers knowledge base than other types of visualizations.
Isotypes are an early example of infographics conveying information quickly and easily to the masses.