What is so special about infographics? Why do they say that “a picture is worth a thousand words”? What is the role of visual content in news, newspapers and web portals? What do we see when we surf the Internet? These doubts will lead to what matters most: VISUAL POWER.
In 2007, Sarah Quinn and Pegie Stark made use of eye-tracking* to analyze the reading of news on computers, tablets and newspapers. In their book “Eyetracking the News”, they studied the visual behavior of 605 people (from different cities in the United States). For this they used specially made glasses with two cameras: one to capture the movement and another to record what the eye was seeing when it stopped.
This methodology allows to expand the horizon of our perception as computer graphics artists, but also destroys some graphics myths. Eye-trackingfacilitates a fundamental approach to the different and changing habits of visionthat users have, both in digital and analog media. Thus, we can understand what our customers prefer when they read, navigate and learn.
We share some of the most striking results:
– PEOPLE STOP LONGER ON PICTURES THAT PORTRAY MOVEMENT
A curiosity of the visual power! This means that, according to Pegie Stark and Sarah Quinn’s study, people got bored of stillness. Today, they spend more time appreciating images where you can see the dynamics of movement: sports, weather, postcards of cities worldwide and catastrophes are the most observed.
– LARGER PHOTOS GET MORE ATTENTION THAN EXPECTED.
Some might imagine that the more information and photos we find on our tablet, what we see will be more interesting. Another point to the strength of the visual: a larger image implies a world to travel. So remember … not everything that glitters is gold!
– 88% OF PEOPLE STOP ON WEATHER GRAPHICS.
Are you surprised? The climate is one of the classic concerns of the workers of the world: How many coats to wear? Will it be a sunny day or will they see rain falling from their offices? A point, then, for our customs.
– LAST MINUTE NEWS ARE READ MORE THAN OPINION COLUMNS
Our minds fly and so do the news: today it’s important to be aware of the constant movement of the world. However, the most important thing is to be part of that movement (let’s call it… “creativity”).
– LISTINGS DON’T DRAW ATTENTION ANYMORE
Finally! Traditional and boring tables no longer govern the content of information. Today, “according to the unexpected,” say Stark and Quinn, the explanations can’t be reduced to a list that lists features, events or other things.
– INFOGRAPHICS ARE CHOSEN MORE THAN TRADITIONAL AND OLD STATISTICAL GRAPHS!
No wonder. Infographics mean the perfect balance between information and image, between knowledge and design. A picture is worth a thousand words long as it can betransmitted. Some years ago, people decided they did not just want to be informed, but to also have a good time when surfing or incorporating knowledge. Infographics, our art, are the voices of a new era in global communication.
Knowing this, it’s worth reflecting on what importance we give to the person on the other side of the screen, the computer, tablet or newspaper: the client, reader, friend or colleague … The recipients of our services and creations.
Sabiendo esto, cabe reflexionar sobre qué importancia le damos a la persona que está del otro lado de la pantalla, del ordenador, de su tableta o del periódico: el cliente, lector, amigo o colega... Al receptor de nuestros servicios y creaciones.
