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What Does Interactive Bring to the Table?



According to Meirelles (2013), there are generally two terms for visual displays of information, and these are infographics and information design (p. 11). There are both pros and cons when comparing information design infographics to interactive web-pages.

Infographics are visual and use graphics such as symbols, drawings, and maps, in order to share information. Murphy (2012) shares that infographics show off information in a creative and interesting way (para. 1). Murphy (2012) also adds that the major parts of an infographic are the visual, the content, and the knowledge (para. 1). Information design is more about the process of how communication is being displayed. “…The main purpose is to inform, in contrast to persuasive approaches more commonly used in practices such as advertising…” (Meirelles, 2013, p. 11). Pros of infographics are that they can be eye-catching, and they are generally easier to view and comprehend. However, infographics may also be easy to misunderstand and misinterpret.  


(Retrieved November 2018, from https://www.digitalchalk.com/blog/pros-and-cons-of-elearning-infographics)


Just like infographics, interactive sites are also very helpful in information design. The Prototype: Information Design Resource site states that “…The goal is to provide informed criteria to support the design process of structuring and representing information.” (Meirelles, 2005, para. 1). This site is nice because it offers a ton of information. Interactive sites are valuable because there is room for a variety of info and it can be organized in many different ways. Since everything is explained, there is not much room for misinterpretation. While this is a pro, too much information may also be considered a con in some situations. It may overwhelm the viewer and they may not retain much of what they are reading. Interactive sites may also be harder to generate. 


References:
Meirelles, I. (2013). Design for Information. Massachusetts: Rockport.
Meirelles, I. (2005). Prototype: Information Design Resource. Isabel Meirelles. Retrieved November 8, 2018, from http://isabelmeirelles.com/information-design-resource/
Murphy, S. (2012, July 9). How to Create an Awesome Infographic. Mashable. Retrieved November 8, 2018, from https://mashable.com/2012/07/09/how-to-create-an-infographic/#WwKkZxDuR8qq

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