Support information provision with different information material

In order to disseminate information through different communication channels, you need to have information material available. You can choose among numerous types of information material to host information in written, visual and/or audio format. Most material types allow you to combine different formats, which increases access to information for applicants.

The below accordions and tables list the most common information material types, grouped in categories by their format and accompanied with the respective advantages and disadvantages.

Written communication that can be supported by visual aids

Leaflet/brochure/newsletter

Advantages	Disadvantages
Allows targeted messages Can communicate general and detailed information Can communicate a number of different information topics Possible to distribute through oral information provision sessions, printouts and digital platforms	Suits complex messages only if they can be simplified Not suitable to deliver extensive explanations or many details

Booklet/guide

Advantages	Disadvantages
Suits complex messages and information on a specific theme Can communicate extensive details Can communicate many different information topics Possible to distribute through oral information provision sessions, printouts and digital platforms	Primary target are not the applicants but asylum practitioners Extensive and detailed information may be difficult for the applicant to absorb Time-consuming to read

Visual communication that can be supported by written information

Material type	Advantages	Disadvantages
Poster	Suits simplified messages or announcements Can be used to highlight or give visibility to an information topic Possible to distribute through printouts and digital platforms	Only suits simplified core messages Limited space for information; not for detailed information Only for maximum two information topics Printed posters require large wall space
Flowchart	Suits messages that can be illustrated as a chronological timeline or process Can be used to explain or simplify complex information Can communicate detailed information Possible to distribute through oral information provision sessions, printouts and digital platforms	Can cover only for one information topic or a limited number of topics Only for information that can be presented as a chronological process
Cartoon / picture book / colouring book / activity book	Suits core messages Can communicate emotionally charged messages Can communicate several information topics Child-friendly format Possible to distribute through oral information provision sessions, printouts and digital platforms	Primarily for simplified messages; no space for explanations Only for messages that can be communicated through a limited number of picture frames Not for detailed information

Audio communication that can be supported by written information

Material type	Advantages	Disadvantages
Audio file / podcast	Can communicate complex messages Often suits information on a specific theme Can communicate general and detailed information Can contain several information topics Can be converted from written format Possible to distribute through different communication channels, such as oral information provision sessions, screens in waiting areas, and digital platforms	May be difficult to focus on long audio files Detailed explanations may be difficult to follow without visualisation or script Audio cannot be distributed as a printout (transcripts of audio files can be printed)

Combination of written, visual and audio communication

Material type	Advantages	Disadvantages
PowerPoint presentation	Suits targeted messages Can communicate general and detailed information Can communicate a number of different information topics Accessible to all applicants when combining written text, still visuals, audio and even video Catches the attention easily Information can be modified and updated without considerable costs Production is less costly than a video/animation Possible to distribute through oral information provision sessions, printouts and digital platforms Can be dubbed in many languages at little additional cost	Primarily for core messages with limited level of details Not for extensive explanations or details Only for information that can be communicated through a limited number of slides
Videos/animations	Suits simplified core messages Can communicate emotionally charged messages Can communicate general and detailed information Accessible to all applicants when written text, visualisation and audio are combined Catches the attention easily Possible to distribute through oral information provision sessions and digital platforms Can be dubbed in many languages at little additional cost	Primarily for one information topic or a limited number of topics Primarily for core messages with limited level of detail Cannot be distributed as printouts Requires technological readiness, including sufficient bandwidth High production costs; difficult to update content