A few weeks ago, we shared a great video by Jonathan Jarvis that showed how powerful a visual narrative can be for teaching and explaining. Here’s another called Shift Happens. What’s interesting is that this is a visual remix of a video that’s been viewed nearly 5,000,000 times on Youtube. It’s a wonderful example of what good design can do to an otherwise typical presentation.

Here’s the original:

The content of the original is compelling, but the Powerpoint-style presentation leaves a lot to be desired. Nevertheless, 5,000,000 views is 5,000,000 views. Now here’s the same content presented in a whole different way:

The second video obviously took a lot more work, but the result is so much more interesting and engrossing. The use of visuals to convey the sheer mass and scale of the numbers helps the viewer better appreciate what’s being said. In hindsight, the first video looks like a wireframe of the second. Data and statistics are great, but data and statistics taken through a narrative with thoughtful design can be captivating.

Let’s also not forget that the second video is way more fun too watch. Edutainment anyone?