According to Wikipedia, the defacto Encyclopedia Brittanica for the digital age, the term infographics is a clipped compound of information and graphics.

(Well duh, we could have figured that one out.)

"They are graphic visual representations of information, data or knowledge, intended to present information quickly and clearly. They can improve cognition by utilizing graphics to enhance the human visual system's ability to see patterns and trends. Infographics have evolved in recent years to be for mass communication, and thus are designed with fewer assumptions about the readers' knowledge base than other types of visualizations."

Bottom line?

With infographics, you can convey technical or complicated information in a fresh and engaging, memorable — and shareable — way. They're ideal for inclusion in websites, collateral, and publishing projects, your custom infographics also become powerful stand-alone marketing tools for sales, presentations, and fulfillment offers.

At B Direct, we create infographics for a number of our clients. (How fortunate that we happen to have an amazing in-house illustrator!) But, anyone with a bit of desktop publishing savvy can create an infographic using clip art or icons. There are also several easy-to-use software solutions available to help, like Visme.com; Easel.ly; Visualize.me; PiktoChart; Canva; and more. The challenge, really, isn't so much creating the graphic, but determining what the topic and subject matter should be.

Here's a list (by no means complete) of content that would lend itself to an infographic treatment.

1. Flow cart of a complicated process
2. Calendar of upcoming events
3. Research and data that's relevant to your audience
4. Survey results — either your own survey or a third-party
5. A behind-the-scenes look at your brand, company, or industry
6. Helpful tips and tricks
7. Historical information
8. Predictions for the future
9. Current trends — in your industry or for society at large
10. Holidays or seasonal subjects
11. Lists
12. How to's or tutorials
13. Famous quotes
14. Current events or stories from the news
15. Borrowed — but relevant — content
16. Before and after scenarios
17. Compare and contrast product features
18. A timeline
19. Demographics
20. A graphical annual report
21. A visual snapshot of your organization
22. Geographical maps

Of course, the fastest and easiest way to generate an infographic might be to call the Bs at B Direct. (We'd love to help!)