Data analytics is: The analysis of data using quantitative and qualitative techniques to look for trends and patterns in the data.

Informatics is: A collaborative activity that involves people, processes, and technologies to apply trusted data in a useful and understandable way.

Data analytics specialists must understand:

• Statistics
• Database management
• Database query languages
• Computer programming

Informatics specialists must:

• Meet the needs of those using systems
• Know informatics standards
• Be able to manage information technology projects and programs
• Have strong communication skills
• Be able to develop systems that work together
• Know how to protect information

Informatics specialists focus on:

• Designing and developing secure user-centered knowledge structures for the Web environment using design thinking, prototyping, and human computer interaction tools.
• Setting up secure digital assets management systems (DAM) working with metadata, workflow, taxonomy, data security, governance, and preservation of digital assets
• Defining identifying, controlling, managing, securing, and preserving electronic records and information
• Managing projects: people, timelines, resources, goals and outcomes

Informatics is:

• Less technical and less theoretical than data analytics
• Much less math based
• More focused on end users and tailoring systems to satisfy the needs of end users within a specific discipline, such as health
• Focused on design thinking skills that encourage a bias toward action and the notion that it is acceptable to make changes or corrections as new ideas and approaches come to fruition
• A collaborative field where informatics specialists work with peers to identify, frame and solve human computer interaction issues within the framework of a content discipline, such as health