A practical guide to interactive infographics for medical affairs

Medical affairs teams face a critical challenge: presenting complex scientific data in a way that is engaging without sacrificing credibility. While static infographics have their place, today’s healthcare professionals expect more dynamic experiences. Interactive infographics are transforming scientific communication, from congress booths to Medical Science Liaison meetings.

However, a poor technical approach can lead to compatibility issues and deployment headaches. This guide covers the essential best practices for creating interactive infographics that work effectively in the field.

Balancing credibility and visual impact

In medical communications, a “too polished” design can sometimes undermine the message by feeling more like marketing than science. HCPs are trained to be skeptical, and an understated visual approach can signal that the data speaks for itself.

But at a major medical congress, with hundreds of booths competing for attention, clinical restraint can lead to invisibility. You need visual impact to draw an audience in but scientific credibility to keep them there.

The solution is to match your design to the context. Every visual element either builds or erodes trust. The key is to create impact while maintaining the visual cues that signal scientific rigor.

Choosing your deployment format: a breakdown of options

An interactive infographic is an invaluable tool for MSLs, allowing them to tailor scientific discussions to an HCP’s specific interests. But getting that content onto a device like an iPad can be a technical hurdle. We’ve included a live demo for each format so you can try them for yourself. Here are the most common deployment options:

• Interactive PDF: This is often the simplest and most reliable path. PDFs work offline, maintain consistent formatting across all devices, and integrate easily into existing email and file-sharing workflows. For MSLs in the field, they eliminate connectivity concerns.
  
• Interactive PowerPoint: Surprisingly effective, modern PowerPoint runs natively on most devices without an internet connection. Its Kiosk Mode is perfect for unattended congress booths, allowing user interaction while preventing accidental exits. It is reliable, familiar, and easy for non-technical team members to update.
• Interactive HTML: HTML offers the richest interactivity, supporting complex animations and advanced user interfaces. However, it demands a stable internet connection, which can be unreliable in congress centers, hospitals, or remote locations.
• Mobile-first interactive booklets: These formats are optimized for touchscreens on mobile devices and tablets. They offer streamlined navigation that works well for quick interactions, such as at a congress booth. However, they also demand a stable internet connection.

For large-scale operations, these interactive assets are often managed and deployed through an enterprise platform. The Veeva Medical Suite is a prominent example, functioning like a specialized CRM where approved medical content is hosted and distributed. A platform like Veeva provides a compliant, centralized hub for tracking MSL usage, ensuring version control, and gathering detailed engagement analytics.