While concepting for a project I wondered if some cool infographics would enhance my idea. Before deciding, I wanted to study some good executions vs poor executions and see what makes one work over another. I needed a good reason to get into this labor extensive execution.

I discovered the answer is much the same as any new technology advertising has explored. QR codes. Augmented Reality. Four Square Badges. iPhone Apps. All cool tools. But it all comes down to the simple question: Is the juice worth the squeeze?

We’ve all have tried to keep up with the new tools that technology has made available and I’m sure we’ve all tried to squeeze these technologies into a concept. But ultimately, these tools should be used for a purpose. They should add value. They should be used to show us something in a new way. And more importantly, the content has to be relevant.

In my research, I discovered the blog the Daily Infographic. Some of the executions simply put an icon relevant to the context. Little added value. However, some really used the illustrated technique to give scale and some real impact. I was particularly impressed with the infographics on foreign aid .

Not only is it nicely designed, but it changed my wrong assumptions on U.S. foreign spending and military spending. I’m by no means a political person. Most of the stuff is over my head. But this took some real data and broke it down in a visual manner that was digestible and impactful.

And really that’s all we’re trying to do as visual communicators. We’re looking to achieve a call to action. We’re looking to shape a perception. And when it’s done well, it’s really refreshing.

- Mike Palese