Infographics in a 6.25-Second World

Kevin M. Brett

May 7, 2013

The 20-Second Bite“The way in which information is exchanged so quickly has forever changed the way in which people want to consume information. They demand that things be condensed into 20-second sound bites. With complex problems, this is exceedingly difficult, but to be an effective communicator and leader you need to be able to condense complex items down to the core and be able to do this quickly.” – Tony Blair, former UK Prime Minister.

The 140-Character “Tweet”

Recruiter CV Viewing Time: 6.25 Seconds

• Recruiters look at a résumé for an average 6.25 seconds before deciding if the candidate is a potential fit, according to job-search site TheLadders.

Era of Big Data

“We have become a profession that is brilliant with the written word, but we must become a profession that knows how to show as equally as we tell.” – Richard Edelman

Journalism “Light”?

USA Today Weather Graphics

Enough, But Not Too Much

Singular Infographic

Classic USA Today Style

Introduction Headline: Three-Five Points

Great Way to Illustrate Stats

Good Subject: Too Much Big Data

Four Infographic Approaches

• 1. Headline; Three-Five Points

• 2. One Large Graphic (USA Today)

• 3. Comparison (LinkedIn vs. Facebook)

• 4. Process Flow Graphic

How a Bill Becomes Law

Infographics for Digital Natives

• Adequate Font Size• Easy to Read (calibri); Easy to Read (aerial);• Easy to Read (verdana); Easy to Read

(cambria); Boring to Read (Times Roman)• Consistency of font and visuals (Does it

look like your client?)• Contrast font color and background

Blog Post on Your Infographic

• Why this infographic?• Importance of infographics?• Tips for creating infographics?• What research? Citations?