Image via Wikipedia
Information graphics or infographics are graphic visual representations of information, data or knowledge. These graphics present complex information quickly and clearly. These “Visual Representations” include: time-lines, a matrix or a Venn Diagram. They are well-suited to blog posts.
Infographics are a useful way to convey meaningful information. Leonardo da Vinci‘s Vitruvian Man is an outstanding representation of an Infographic. The drawing, which is in pen and ink on paper, depicts a male figure in two superimposed positions with his arms and legs apart and simultaneously inscribed in a circle and square. The drawing and text visually depict the concept of the Canon of Proportions or, less often, Proportions of Man.
Leonardo’s drawing represents the correlations of ideal human proportions with geometry described by the ancient Roman architect Vitruvius in De Architectura. Leonardo’s drawing is named in honor of the architect.
In business we use pie charts, bar graphs and stock charts to convey trends. Videos, Slidesharing and Podcasts can all be useful infographics. We want to disseminate our information to the collective knowledge of our “digital cocktail” party crowd.
Great headlines and engaging content coupled with outstanding Infographics can help us with our efforts. In addition, insert some eye-catching pictures or graphics above the “Fold”. Timing the release of your post is also critical. I find that lunchtime posts are effective.
Here’s a list of useful infographics for you to incorporate into your Social Media Arsenal:
1. Slideshare is a great way to share high-quality content. Think about how we use BlackBoard in our course shells. You can use an embedded video Zipcast tool.
2. Short Videos like “The Fountains in Rome” series on my Channel are a powerful infographic tool that can drive traffic to your site.
3. Embed a YouTube video or ”Food Truck” photo slide show into your post. This is a fun way to tell an interesting story or convey information.
4. Don’t forget the mind mapping concept we discussed in class. Download the www.xmind.net software. Incorporate a mind map into your post.
5. Check out http://re.pn/b/SyLd to see a www.pinterest.com board. This a social catalog service or virtual pinboard where you can categorize and share the things that you love. You can create a collection of pins for your board. I have added the widget to this site bar of this site with a link to the travel “Boards” that I have created. As a blogger, create pins or boards with a theme that is relevant to your content.