3 reasons why you should use graphics on mobile

Publishers need to innovate and adapt with industry trends, like the continual growth of news consumption through mobile devices, as well as the trend of distrust in media due to fake news. The prioritization of fact-based graphics with mobile storytelling in mind can make the most of the former and counter the latter.

Let’s take a look at how graphics can successfully help you tell stories on mobile…

1. Increase audience engagement

News is on the move—more people in the United States are using smartphones as their primary device for news while desktop computer usage continues to drop.

As such, publishers should ensure that their content is mobile responsive and visually engaging to retain their audiences’ attention.

For example, Reuters Graphics produced a mobile responsive, interactive graphic of the FIFA World Cup so users can keep updated on the tournament whether they’re at a computer or on a smartphone. As the visible area on a mobile device is smaller, observe how presenting information with an interactive graphic improves the experience, rather than forcing the user to scroll through a flat list of tournament results.

2. Counter misinformation

According to Reuters Institute’s 2017 Digital News Report, there’s a strong correlation between distrust in the media and perceived political bias which is especially true in countries with high levels of political polarization.

22% of those surveyed also cited the importance of the journalistic process for determining their trust in media. Supporting assertions with evidence through fact-checking, data, and sourcing are integral to gaining trust. Publishers can combat political bias and misinformation by presenting facts succinctly on mobile with data driven, auto-updating infographics.

For instance, Reuters won the Pulitzer this year for International Reporting on a series of investigations on the thousands of deaths during the Philippine drug war.

These reports contain interactive charts that show essential information on the number of drug suspects shot dead on the spot each month compared with the number declared DOA at the hospital. A map with data extracted from police reports plotted the location of each killings. Reuters reports without bias by citing the source, fact-checking the data, and presenting a mobile responsive visual.