The relation between online and print information graphics for newspapers

Abstract

In this article we make a critical assessment of the relation between online and print design, focusing on the graphic language of newspaper infographics. A lot of the work done in this area consists in adapting print newspaper infographics to online versions. The problem with many of these adaptations is that there are losses in reading strategy and structure of their online versions, offering readers a mainly linear reading experience. To understand this fact, we compare print infographics and their digital versions through the analysis of layout and cognitive load. In a time when the knowledge of computer programming seems to be crucial to editorial design, we reflect on the importance of layout, which is the principle design structure to help readers access and understand information. © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2014.