The purpose of icons in infographics

With a world more connected than ever, icon usage in infographics continues to play a vital role in providing visual communication that is universally understood, no matter what the context is. Now, what if you were able to master this discipline and use it for good, taking complex ideas and conveying them in a simple, more efficient way? In this forward-thinking article, we are going to lift off the hood to see what makes infographics tick, stripping them down to their bare elements so we can fully understand their structure, cause, and effects.

What are infographics?

With a planet obsessed with technological advances, it comes as a great surprise that many of us simply don’t have the time to sit and read paragraphs of text on how to finance your first car, how precipitation works, or interpret data from a social study. This is where infographics step in, creating a realm of convenience using icons, symbols, vector designs, images, and text elements to working together:

From pie charts to visual storytelling, we can use the power of infographics to bypass the need for chunks of text with something more visually appealing, infusing charm and efficiency into your method of communication. All that’s needed is the context of your visual and for you to combine any of the above elements into a fully functional infographic design.

Infographics guide us through many challenges through life, take a moment to read this fascinating article on the importance of great design in infographics.

The role icons play in infographics

Visual communication with icons is essential in the functionality of creative infographic design, as they provide an alternative to the use of words, strengthening the look of your design while also increasing efficiency and a global understanding. This efficiency is thanks to their innate ability to convey ideas and meanings far quicker than traditional text through visual cues alone, and the more we use them, the more recognizable they become. Replacing words also means the rest of the world can appreciate its message since more often than not, icons are universally understood. Check this icon selection for infographics just to get you started:

• Arrow icons are used to guide the reader through visual cues or emphasize points.
• Shapes: Shapes are the foundation of your infographic and can be used for labeling or framing featured icons.
• Chart icons: Used to represent data, they can help highlight vital information in your infographic.
• Magnifying glass icons: This universal symbol of information can draw the reader’s eye towards rewarding facts and statistics.
• Educational icons: Education is full of categories and subcategories, educational symbols will help break down subjects into an easier learning experience.
• Travel icons: Use travel icons to help simplify the often confusing journey we all face when traveling abroad.
• Industry icons: An arena full of innovation and achievement, icons will help audiences better understand this massively complex industrial world we are enveloped in.
• Communications: With communication playing a huge role in our lives, communication plays a vital role in contemporary informative visuals.

The function of icons in various roles

Each and every infographic ever designed has a unique purpose, and with such diversity wrapped around this central method, there are an infinite amount of ways in which icons can become highly beneficial, conveying the most mind-boggling ideas and processes right down to the most simple explanations. So let’s not waste a second more and dive straight into some of the most popular uses of icons found in infographics.

Icons in educational infographics

Icons have become an integral part of educational infographics. They act as visual aids that not only grab the attention of the viewers but also make the information more digestible. The benefit of using icons in educational infographics cannot be overstated. A well-crafted visual representation can simplify complex ideas into easily understandable concepts. It not only makes learning engaging but also reinforces the message being conveyed.

Icons can serve as oversimplified images, where the visual is used to represent the meaning of the concept. This way, students can connect easily with the information being presented and retain it better. Icons can also differentiate between different categories, making the infographic more organized and comprehensive. With such a wealth of benefits, including icons in educational infographics seems like an obvious choice to make.

Enhancing data points with icons

Using icons effectively to represent data points can make them much easier to read and understand. Take, for example, an infographic representing the results of sports day. Typically, disciplines are represented by their name. But, using icons such as tennis rackets or a football can quickly communicate what each section of the infographic represents. This makes the information more visually appealing and helps students who may struggle with reading or understanding numerical concepts.

Timeline and historical infographics

Not only do these graphics make complex information accessible, but they also offer a concise and engaging way of presenting historical events and concepts to learners. Using icons in educational materials helps students connect with information easily and efficiently, allowing them to understand and retain knowledge more effectively.

With pictorial representations, complicated topics become much more accessible to learners, and through the use of creative and thoughtful icons, educators can take learners on a visual journey that captures their imagination and inspires them to seek more information. Ultimately, icons prove to be a powerful tool to promote comprehension and engagement in educational settings.

Geographic data representation

We are increasingly relying on data to enforce change and progression worldwide. Take, for example, one of the biggest issues of our time, climate change, and all the geographical data that’s needed to support the argument for change. To give this data a chance of catching the attention of billions, it is absolutely crucial to present such data in a way that grabs attention and inspires the world to read it, understand it, and do something about it. A change for good could be represented by a selection of icons that support a utopian vision, clean energy, clean air, and a healthier planet.

Demographic and statistical insights

When it comes to conveying demographic and statistical insights, infographics are a popular and effective way to do so. But what can truly set a good infographic apart and make it more engaging? Icons. These small graphics not only add a touch of fun and personality but also serve a practical purpose in quickly conveying information and guiding the reader’s eye. Icons can represent everything from different age ranges to specific data points, making the information more visually digestible and easier to understand. Employing such a clever technique can really make an infographic pop and impress audiences with the level of professionalism and creativity put into it.

Storytelling through icon sequences

Storytelling tends to revel in descriptive language and hooks that keep readers’ fascination jacked. When it comes to the creation of infographics, it’s good practice to use the power of a narrative to support theories, ideas, and methods in a visually coherent manner, using the powerful combination of icons, vector graphics, and text to convey the story effortlessly. This method of communication has proved its value to all of us, especially when explaining the most complex aspects of life, from renewing mortgages to assembling a wardrobe. All these short but vital stories we all experience need to be explained to us through a simplified visual language we can all relate to.

Icons for process and workflow

On the subject of narratives, infographics have really shown their usefulness in breaking down intricate processes and workflows, a challenge to many designers since they often involve complex instructions in a step-by-step format. Using universal symbols, icons, and graphics, it’s possible to turn dizzying swaths of boring, informative text into pleasant infographics that are so well designed you can read them upside down. This is not advised.

Using icons to infuse emotion and context into design

With just a glance, an icon can immediately communicate moods, ideas, and concepts, making it an incredibly valuable tool in a designer’s arsenal. Whether it’s a heart icon representing love or a lightning bolt symbolizing energy and power, icons have the ability to elevate a design and bring it to life with personality and meaning. So, when creating your next infographic, take a minute to think about the deeper psychological impact of your design and how you can fine-tune it through the use of icons.

Icons have and will continue to prove their usefulness in all aspects of design. Yet, their close bond with infographics and the ability to enchant visuals with a form of visual language is something we all take for granted. The next time you come across an infographic, take a moment to appreciate the thought that went into it, the icons used, and the visual language sealed within, and perhaps it will inspire you to create a unique infographic of your own making!