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6.02 AM Understanding Infographics as a Powerful Design Tool | |
Understanding Infographics as a Powerful Design Tool Look around you right now. How many icons do you see? Take a moment and count them. If you are in an office, look at your keyboard, work phone, exits, restroom. Iconography is the driving force of life. If you're reading this on your phone, look up an inch and you'll no doubt see some arrows and a magnifying glass. These small interactive cues are at the core of user experience and design. Today we're talking about how to use these essentially simple motifs as an effective design tool. To understand icons as a powerful and interactive design tool, let's go back to the basics - Oprah Winfrey because she invented icons. No joke, she didn't say, but if you stay with me, I'll come full circle, I promise. Oprah Winfrey, American media mogul, talk show host, actress, producer, philanthropist, motivational speaker, do you understand why Oprah is considered the “icon” of our generation? Oprah is “iconic” because she is symbolic. She symbolizes true grit and determination, a real representative of the “American Dream.” The term "iconic" is a synonym, almost interchangeable with the word "symbolic". Icons (like their namesakes) gain power through what they symbolize. So let's figure this out. To be effective, iconography (the use of icons) must be an intuitive conveyor of ideas and qualities. Icons should symbolize something. An icon should be an interactive cue used to represent the main idea, product or action, sometimes in place of words, but also to reinforce the key message. For icons to be effective, they must be visually interesting and mark three basic rules: relevance, simplicity, and consistency. CORRESPONDING There is a “hot” Australian hot summer, and then there is a “hot” hot curry. When you translate content into iconography, make sure you or your designer understands what the client is saying and explaining. Context is extremely important to hitting the target of iconography. If you're trying to convince a client to bring sunscreen to an annual retreat, make sure they don't indulge in their favorite chili sauce. Make sure your icons enhance and support your content rather than muddy the waters. This brings us to the next point: SIMPLICITY If you need 3 icons to explain the graphic you just created, you're on the right track. Icons should be simple in nature. Simplicity enhances the power of infographics. Not to mention, when implemented properly, icons are an ingenious way to explain and visualize an idea. SUBSEQUENCE The consistency is the cherry on top of the cake. Consistency contributes to a variety of design aesthetics, but most importantly, consistency builds your brand. Your iconography style is part of the broader "look and feel" of your brand, so make sure you find a style and stick to it. These are linear, solid, with rounded edges, sharp corners, monochrome, color. Lock it down and specify your iconography style in your brand guide. So, icons come in all shapes and sizes and should not be underestimated. They are a great tool for improving key messaging, creating engagement, and guiding people through information intuitively. They generate interest, create aesthetic cohesion and help increase brand awareness. Think about how to integrate them into your design life. | |
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