Overview
Visualization plays an important role in understanding, interpreting, and communicating science. As scientists of tomorrow, undergraduate biology students need to be equipped with these essential skills in order to build confidence and confidence in visual science communication.
A needs assessment was conducted to better understand gaps in visual science communication education, and a multimedia learning module was created to lay out the best practices of visual science communication for undergraduate biology students and instructors. The following materials demonstrate graphic design principles as applied to science communication, using central dogma as a case study.
Suggested Use
Biology instructors and teaching assistants can use these materials to teach students how to use graphic design principles to construct an effective visual (e.g., scientific diagram, poster).
Visual Science Communication Toolkit
Design principles for the effective communication of science
Visual strategies
Learning objectives
This module introduces visual strategies that designers use to improve the effectiveness of communication pieces.
Understand the use of layout, color, and graphical elements in communication design
Observe how graphic design principles (alignment, proximity, repetition, and contrast) are used to construct a communication piece
Animation 1: Introduction to visual strategies
In this video, we provide an overview of the strategies graphic designers use to create effective visuals.
References
Ware, C. (2008). Visual thinking: For design. Amsterdam: Morgan Kaufmann.
Animation 2: Case study on design principles
In this video, we’ll take a closer look at the design principles by constructing a scientific diagram.
References
Wong, B. (2015). Nature Collections: Visual Strategies for Biological Data. Nature.
Activity: Construct a scientific diagram
Now that we've seen the visual strategies in action, we can construct a diagram of our own. Using the elements provided in the activity, design a communication piece that describes the following process:
The receptor Y is found in the cell membrane. The molecule X binds to the receptor. This triggers the release of proteins by an organelle in the cell.
Summary: Design considerations
Have I designed with the following considerations in mind?
Overarching goal and purpose of my piece
Scientific accuracy appropriate at the level of education of my audience
Needs of my target audience
Medium and venue of my piece
Directed and focused attention using appropriate layout, color, and graphical elements
Organized and structured information using graphic design principles (alignment, proximity, repetition, contrast)
