Interactive design and infographics are two methods of visually representing information. They aim to "use striking, engaging visuals to communicate information quickly and clearly" (Nediger, 2018). While graphic and textual elements are utilized in both only interactive enables the user to interact directly with the design.
Interactive
"Most often when people talk about interaction design, the products tend to be software products like apps or websites" (Siang, 2019). Elements of interaction like roll-overs and clicks have to be coded into the design. This requires programming skills. If a designer does not know how to code they would have to collaborate with someone who does or find a software program that can do the work.
It's important to note that interactive designs interact not only with users but with the users electronic devices as well. Operating systems, browsers, software, device settings, even screen sizes can affect the appearance and/or functionality of an interactive design.
Isabel Meirelles, Assistant Professor of Visual Arts at Northwestern University and author of Design for Information has a prototype of interactive design on her website. The landing page warns users that due to software changes “some of the features no longer behave as planned”. Additionally, in order to access the prototype users must have and enable FlashPlayer.
Resources
Complete Beginner's Guide to Interaction Design | UX Booth. (n.d.). Retrieved March 17, 2019, from https://www.uxbooth.com/articles/complete-beginners-guide-to-interaction-design
It's important to note that interactive designs interact not only with users but with the users electronic devices as well. Operating systems, browsers, software, device settings, even screen sizes can affect the appearance and/or functionality of an interactive design.
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Infographic
Infographics are not subject to the same technical challenges. Coding skills are not required. Designs can be created using programs, like Adobe Illustrator, or on websites like venngage.com. Designs can also be, and have been for centuries, created on paper, then transferred into digital format if needed.
Infographics are static and unchanging; often posted in jpg or png format to help ensure consistent display across all electronic devices. They are easily shareable. This is particularly significant considering the potential reach of social media. "Aside from being shared, they are often linked to as well when republished by blogs and other websites" (Hines, 2013). These links can direct traffic back to your website for more in-depth content.
Infographics can be printed without risking the loss of any information in the transfer from digital to print. The same cannot be said for interactive designs. Depending on how much additional information is accessible through the interactive elements, information loss can be great and significantly impact the effectiveness of the communication.
Which is Better
As with all of information design there is no one best option. The data and the needs of the audience should drive the decision on what communication method is used. In deciding between interactive and infographic we must be mindful that "...even though we live a media-saturated society dominated by immersive technology, interaction and animation,...data visualisations should only be interactive if it’s beneficial"(Harris, 2017).Resources
Complete Beginner's Guide to Interaction Design | UX Booth. (n.d.). Retrieved March 17, 2019, from https://www.uxbooth.com/articles/complete-beginners-guide-to-interaction-design
Harris, M. (2017, December 19). Award-winning infographic designer Nadieh Bremer on how to create powerful data visualisations. Retrieved March 17, 2019, from https://www.digitalartsonline.co.uk/features/graphic-design/award-winning-infographic-designer-nadieh-bremer-on-how-create-powerful-data-visualisations/
Hines, K. (2013, January 16). The Beginner's Guide to Creating and Promoting Infographics. Retrieved March 17, 2019, from https://www.crazyegg.com/blog/beginners-guide-to-infographics/
Interactive Infographics. (n.d.). Retrieved March 17, 2019, from https://killerinfographics.com/interactive-infographics
Isabelmeirelles.com. (n.d.). Retrieved March 17, 2019, from http://isabelmeirelles.com/infoDesignResource/
Isabelmeirelles.com. (2005, July 20). Retrieved March 17, 2019, from http://isabelmeirelles.com/information-design-resource/
Magalhaes Gomes, M. (n.d.). Data Visualization - Best Practices and Foundations. Retrieved March 17, 2019, from https://www.toptal.com/designers/data-visualization/data-visualization-best-practices
Meirelles, I. (2013). Design for information: An introduction to the histories, theories, and best practices behind effective information visualizations. Gloucester, MA: Rockport.
Nediger, M. (2018, November 30). How to Make an Infographic in 5 Steps [Step-By-Step Guide]. Retrieved March 17, 2019, from https://venngage.com/blog/how-to-make-an-infographic-in-5-steps/
Nediger, M. (2019, March 01). What is an Infographic? Infographic Examples, Templates, and Design Tips. Retrieved March 17, 2019, from https://venngage.com/blog/what-is-an-infographic/
Siang, T. (2019, February). What is Interaction Design? Retrieved March 17, 2019, from https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/article/what-is-interaction-design
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