Infographics are one of the most powerful ways to communicate complex data, and an important tool in teaching, giving inspiration, presenting information, and business. They have wide-ranging applications, such as scientific visualization, product design, education, information technology, business communication, and entertainment. So, how are they important in healthcare?
Infographics are graphics that visually transmit information and data accumulation. When preparing an infographic, the main goal is to transfer intensive and complex information to the target group easily by reflecting the contents of the subject. The information reflected in the design needs to be aesthetic, engaging, and appealing. If the viewers understand, learn, and grasp the design quickly and easily, the infographic fulfils its role.
Why are infographics so important to public health?
Infographics enable the safe and accurate exchange of information between clinicians and patients, in the form of a simplified graphical snapshot. In healthcare, infographics are powerful digital tools that enable patients to have the required knowledge to understand information on specific diseases, procedures, and trending healthcare topics. For example, how a disease can occur, be treated, and possibly, even prevented. In addition, infographics can help educate patients, their families, and others seeking cancer information. Creating impactful infographics is an educational experience for patients, enabling them to interpret a complex message in a way that enhances their comprehension.
What type of information can a healthcare infographic inform?
- Causes and risks related to a disease or condition;
- Facilitates the detection of where the disease is spawning;
- Diseases processes;
- About a specific disease;
- About healthcare topics;
- About treatments;
- Prevents actions.
Best practice for creating a healthcare infographic
- Do not leave space for doubts about the theme, story, or main message.
- Consider and think about (or like) your audience. Keep them in mind to make the infographic more visually appealing, focusing on size, simplicity, effective use of data, and the overall impact.
- Ensure you have a narrow scope of focus. It may be better to create two infographics if you have a lot of information or data to include.
- Choose a clear font. Elaborate fonts can make reading difficult and turn out to be distracting, particularly for elderly patients. Large and legible fonts are always the best choice.
- Choose colours that enhance the information. Colour is a remarkable communication tool that plays an important role in design. The right colour has the power to enable design elements to stand out, increasing the effectiveness of a piece of communication.
Infographics are a useful tool for healthcare professionals to communicate with patients. By following these steps, you can create an impactful graphic that is impactful to patients, and supports public health.
By Bruna Soldera of Mind the Graph