Infographic examples in health – 5 different types

In this article, I show you five infographic examples created for the health sector. Five different types of information represented in a visual way.

We want to be helpful when presenting information. Use imagery that aids communication rather than simply adding visual content. Spark interest with relevant, visually engaging infographics. See some techniques in the examples below.

Remember, it is important that people who use a screen reader can understand your content. You may decide to have a text-only version or include paragraphs of text content along with the infographic.

Comparative infographics

Showing a difference or making a comparison might be the focus of your presentation. Adding graphics to visualise difference can instantly spark curiosity and help the reader understand the point of the data.

In this infographic example, up and down arrows are used to clearly communicate whether this is an increase or decrease in numbers. Layering the percentages over the arrows creates depth and visual interest.

Process or flow infographic

Describing a process and the flow of that process may be the focus of your infographic. This might be a journey, a step-by-step process, or an explanation of methodology.

In this infographic example, the process is not linear or clear-cut. Graphic visualisation helps the reader to see a picture of the flow and how different elements cross over, some being shared across different pathways. All have the same goal – the learning outcome.

Explainer infographic

You may need to explain specific features or facts about a medical device as part of your presentation. Being able to show the device and label exact reference points makes it easier and quicker for the reader to decipher.

If the device doesn’t photograph well, an illustrative approach may be more visually pleasing. In this infographic example, by drawing the device, the colours could be matched to the brand style and sit harmoniously with the rest of the graphic. This helps keep the focus on the message rather than the imagery.

Text-based infographic

Whilst it is preferable to keep text content short there are times when in order to tell the story, more words are required. Arguably, it is even more important to break up the words and make them quick and easy to follow drawing viewers into that narrative. Use imagery that resonates with your intended audience to gain their attention.

In this infographic example, colours and shapes break up the title and intro. Demarcation separates the four main facts and directional graphics differentiate the facts from the consequences. Variation in font size creates highlights. Icons create context. If you skim the page, a figure of 90% in relation to hospital beds might spark interest and encourage the reader to delve deeper and read more.

Statistical infographic

Statistical information in the form of charts and graphs are a familiar subject. While making sure they are accessible and easy to understand, you can spark intrigue by presenting them in a visually interesting way.

In this infographic example, bold colours wake up the brain. A silhouette of a carer and child creates instant context. Layers create depth with the data sitting clearly in the foreground.

Points to remember…

• We can get tired of seeing the same things displayed in the same way. A fresh view of a familiar subject wakes up the brain by looking new which is more engaging
• Use images that resonate with your intended audience to create instant curiosity
• Use graphics that aid communication rather than simply adding visual interest
• Make sure there is a text only version for those using a screenreader
• Use demarcation as a separator and directional graphics to indicate sequence
• People are busy and do not read a wall of text to find out if it is worth reading. Infographics help a reader to scan the page to see if it is relevant and of interest.