Simple animation speaks volumes

In 2005 DIY Network sponsored a "Best Built House" contest and needed a resource to help them clearly communicate some of the technical details of the winning floor plan on their website. They not only needed great looking illustrations to adorn their website but, images that clearly and accurately conveyed the details of these innovative solutions to an eager-to-learn audience.

DIY realized that the team at Infographics® was particularly suited to this project because of the custom “visual languages” they produce for their product manufacturing client base that communicate information universally and effectively through a balance of technically accurate illustrations, universal symbols and copy for consumers.

The end result was a 10-second animated sequence of the house progression that included a nice rendering of the house and animations of the construction of the special features: pre-cast basement, insulation under basement floor, 3 stud corner, high-heeled roof trusses, air sealing, house wrap, total fill insulation, ice & water guard, PEX tubing for plumbing, tankless water heater, and ERV - air circulation system.

Click here to view sample.

Infographics® releases white paper

Creating consumer-focused instructions for a programmable remote control system

Infographics® is pleased to announce the release of our first white paper, a study on creating consumer-focused instructions for a programmable remote control system. The paper provides an in-depth discussion of the challenges encountered and Infographics® comprehensive solutions.

We hope that you will read the white paper and invite you to let us know if you are facing any of the same challenges. Click on the image at right to go to the download page.

Bad instructions are bad for business.

At Infographics® we're in the business of translating technical product information into plain English with the goal of facilitating a better ownership experience for our customers' clients. We understand that bad instructions are bad for business, and in turn, good instructions result in brand loyalty and satisfaction.

Here are a few rules we routinely follow:

1. Target the audience – Usually consumers haven’t used the product before, that’s why they’re reading the instructions.
2. Use a simple style of language – This often means using the command form of the verb, known as the imperative: 'Switch on the computer' instead of 'The computer should be switched on'
3. Split the information into manageable chunks – Readers waste time and make mistakes if the information they need is buried in long paragraphs and wordy sentences.
4. Use section headers – Split the instructions into separate sections whose headings identify the purpose of each action.
5. Use appropriate illustrations and labels – Illustrations are good at showing what things look like and their relative size. This can save words (and translation costs!) as well as illuminate the words that remain.

Welcome to the blog!

“The two words ‘information’ and ‘communication’ are often used interchangeably, but they signify quite different things. Information is giving out; communication is getting through.”

–Sydney J. Harris

At Infographics® we've spent the last 12 years developing communications tools that bridge educational, language and cultural barriers and make it easier for consumers to assemble and use all kinds of products. We translate complex engineering, assembly, care and usage information into an easy-to-digest, consumer-friendly language and have a host of services to address nearly any communications challenge. Over the years our goals have remained constant--facilitate understanding and improve the ownership experience for our clients' customers.

We invite you to take our on-line poll and share with us your communications challenges. And check back at this blogspot periodically, as we will be using this forum to share some of our successes, tips, and other visual solutions.