Contrast

http://careerjourney.co.uk/video-game-related-career-estimated-salaries-infographic/

This information graphic showcases the different careers within the video game industry. Successful contrast of color and contrast of content play a large role in this designs use of effective communication. The color used within this information graphic is contrasted with the black background. The contrast of black with the colors used is successful because the colors stand out for the viewer. Black makes colors seem more vibrant and exciting, creating interest. The use of contrasted color also helps the viewer understand and sharpen their knowledge of the information provided. The introduction of imagery within a bar of color is used to define how much or how little something is. The simple and cohesive composition of this design along with the effective use of space with the items and information used also makes this graphic successful. The creator of this design placed the content in such a way that was deliberate and conscious about the viewer, making the design as a whole easy to read and interpret. The simplicity and pop-out effect used makes this design successful because it is intriguing and easily interpreted for the viewer.

http://www.animationcareerreview.com/infographics/2429

This information graphic about video game sales shows color in a whole different way, giving a different message to the viewer. The contrast of color and contrast of content within this design is unsuccessful. The context of color is different than the first successful graphic in that color is now placed on a white background instead of black. This changes the look and feel of the whole graphic entirely. The contrast of the colored text on the white background seems to show the text as smaller than it really is, leaving the viewer to see the text less solid or present within the image. Also, the choice to place an image in the back of some text leaves the viewer confused because of the inability to comfortably read the information provided. The contrast of content with empty space in this design is unsuccessful because there is barely empty space used to give the viewer’s eyes a rest. Also, the contrast of text and images seem not to be thought out and just thrown together. Contrast within a design is supposed to help the viewer understand and interpret a design more effectively, yet this design’s use of contrast of color and content in particular seems to only hinder it’s attempt at providing information to a viewer.