PEI Group is a globally recognized business intelligence company providing news and analysis for the financial industry. By delivering insightful data, PEI aims to help business leaders make investment decisions. To create impactful data visualizations and keep up with the flow of current information, PEI turned to Infogram, a powerful and user-friendly tool for data visualization production. Not only did PEI improve its workflow and consistently produce high-quality data visualizations, but it also broadened its creative horizons with effective data storytelling.
Challenges in financial data visualization
Financial information is often conveyed using charts, graphs, and other data visualizations. The ongoing challenge revolves around finding the most efficient method for data presentation, which not only saves time but also ensures clarity and ease of analysis. PEI Group encountered these challenges before discovering the solution in Infogram.
"PEI’s audience is from the financial world, so our readers are comfortable looking at charts and data. However, our workflow for producing even the simplest chart was very slow," states Mike Simlett, the Managing Editor of the Production department at PEI Group.
Mike continues to list the several challenges they encountered that propelled them to seek out a data visualization tool like Infogram.
- Slow workflow: The process of producing data charts was time-consuming and involved multiple stakeholders. “[The process] involved graphic designers taking data from reporters, creating a JPG of a chart, then having it edited before it could be published,” Mike explains.
- Scalability issues: “The chart wouldn’t always scale well, depending on the device the reader was using,” Mike reveals. This issue could potentially lead to a less-than-optimal user experience for their readers.
- Complexity: Reporters and editors lacked the tools to create charts quickly. “We wanted a tool that allowed a reporter to create a chart in house style in under a minute without having to be an expert in data visualization or Adobe Illustrator,” Mike elaborates.
Ultimately, the need for an easy-to-use data visualization tool was clear. They required a tool that not only could improve their workflow but also equip them with the means needed to turn raw data into an engaging story.
Choosing Infogram
PEI Group explored various data visualization tools, but it ultimately chose Infogram. According to Mike Simlett, their decision was influenced by Infogram's ease of use and its ability to produce charts in a variety of formats, from basic bar charts to intricate infographics. Mike states, "We looked at a number of other tools but found Infogram was the easiest to use and could produce charts in the various formats that we needed."
Key improvements and results
Producing charts in minutes
Miriam Vysna, the Head of Design at PEI Group, shared her experiences with Infogram, highlighting the profound changes it brought to their workflow. "Now we can do it in under a minute with the chart being produced and published in the same workflow that sees the chart being checked by a copy editor at the same time as the copy editor edits the story containing it." She added, "Where before we may have only published a handful of charts a week, now we can publish them by the dozen."
Maintaining brand consistency
The remarkable improvements have not only streamlined their content production but also improved their consistency, as Miriam explains, "We use branded templates, so we know that we are publishing in a consistent house style."
Mastering efficient collaboration
Another notable transformation has been the collaboration between their editorial and design teams. Miriam notes, "Publishing charts digitally first also means the magazine designers no longer have to read through Excel data to understand the story the numbers are trying to tell. The web version gives the designer an idea of how the chart should look, which they can customize for print."
Furthermore, the 'Private' function in Infogram has provided a valuable testing ground for PEI Group's editors and designers to collaboratively fine-tune their data visualizations prior to publication.
Going beyond the typical slideshow
Mike Scorer, the Art Director at PEI Group, highlights some of the features that have been instrumental in their success with Infogram. He emphasizes the ability to create slideshows, stating that "our subscribers are more than familiar with PowerPoint presentations as part of their day jobs." Infogram's capabilities allow PEI Group to create content in a format that its readers easily recognize and interact with.
These slideshows go beyond simple charts, incorporating interactive links, animated transitions, and page transitions that guide subscribers through the information and provide greater depth to stories. Additionally, Infogram has empowered PEI Group to host simple animations on its websites, enhancing user engagement.
Seizing measurable results
All of the aforementioned improvements have significantly contributed to PEI Group's success. According to Mike Simlett, "In terms of average time spent on a page, seven of the 10 most popular stories on our flagship title this year feature Infogram charts." This statistic demonstrates the positive impact that Infogram has had on reader engagement and the popularity of its content. Additionally, Mike highlights that other teams have also given positive feedback, saying that “readers appreciate the charts, and they certainly make us distinctive from our competitors.” Not to mention, their slideshow presentations consistently rank among their most-read stories each month.
Financial insights via powerful data stories
PEI Group has successfully leveraged Infogram to create stunning and informative data visualizations. Some notable projects include:
PEI Global Investor 100 slideshow
The Global Investor 100 slides neatly compact crucial data while maintaining visual engagement, demonstrating a skillful use of information design. The interactive charts and maps reveal key insights upon hovering over various data points. This feature promotes a more interactive and engaging data discovery process for the audience, making the presentation more informative and user-friendly.
China Private Equity snapshot
The Chinese Private Equity presentation stands out with consistent and engaging visuals that tie the slides together, creating a unified data story. Also, the content layout effortlessly guides the reader through the presentation, ensuring the data is easily digestible.
2023 LP Perspectives slides
The first few slides of the LP Perspectives presentation immediately capture the attention with well-executed animations that seamlessly guide the reader through the main points. The project clearly stands out with visually engaging transitions that help understand better and navigate the information with precision.
LP of the Future slideshow
The thoughtful use of colors and visuals plays an important role in the LP of the Future slide deck. Visuals complemented by smooth transitions and interactive charts make a memorable impression, making the viewer excited to go through the presentation and reveal key insights presented.
All of these projects showcase the versatility and impact of Infogram in transforming data into engaging visual stories. Whether it's a smooth transition between slides or an interactive map, these elements shape a data story, making it truly impactful and effective.
Empowered data storytelling
When looking at the projects PEI Group has created, one thing is clear – storytelling plays a crucial role in creating impactful data visualizations. On this note, Miriam Vysna reflects on how Infogram has influenced PEI Group's approach to data visualization and storytelling, highlighting that now they can publish far more charts than before. ”It’s helped a lot of users lose their ‘fear’ of charts; people are a lot more comfortable with building them as they can easily experiment with Infogram,” she states. “Our journalism has also got a lot more ambitious in terms of how we use infographics and the kinds of stories we can tell,” Miriam mentions. This demonstrates how PEI Group has not only improved its workflow but also broadened its creative horizons.
A successful partnership that goes beyond data
PEI Group's journey with Infogram hasn't only been about creating stunning data visualizations but also about building a long-term successful partnership. Mike Simlett commends the pivotal role played by Reinis Bērziņš, Infogram's Senior Customer Success Manager. “We couldn’t have achieved any of this without Reinis Bērziņš. He’s been a key part of the process from introducing us to the software to running training sessions and highlighting new products and developments with Infogram,” Mike elaborates. “The results have worked so successfully that PEI now works with Infogram on beta testing updates and improving SEO functionality.”
If you're considering Infogram…
For organizations considering Infogram for their data visualization needs, Mike Scorer offers valuable advice: “Work closely with your client manager on what you need. In the beginning, they will know what is realistically achievable and what is not. Also, nominate a couple of people who can act as superusers. These are people who can quickly pick up new software and can also work as in-house trainers. That way you can have a main group who can produce the day-to-day charts and another, smaller group who can work on more detailed, in-depth interactives”. Additionally, Mike suggested that it's important to establish your objectives in advance. This proactive approach will result in a more seamless template-building process.
Result: Improved workflow, productivity, and storytelling
In conclusion, PEI Group's partnership with Infogram serves as an example of how a robust data visualization tool can transform an organization's workflow, improve productivity, and unlock new possibilities in data storytelling. PEI Group's success story showcases the power of versatile and user-friendly tools in the financial and media landscape.
