Sense and Sensibility—Visual Design Principles for Scientific Data

*** Participants are encouraged to submit particularly vexing figures for redesign and inclusion in the workshop, ideally, in EPS/PDF format by June 14 to martink@bcgsc.ca.. Well-designed figures can illustrate complex... [ view full abstract ]

*** Participants are encouraged to submit particularly vexing figures for redesign and inclusion in the workshop, ideally, in EPS/PDF format by June 14 to martink@bcgsc.ca..

Well-designed figures can illustrate complex concepts and patterns that may be difficult to express concisely in words. Clear, concise and attractive figures are effective–they form a strong connection with the reader and communicate with immediacy. These qualities can be achieved by employing principles of graphic design, which are based on our understanding of how we perceive, interpret and organize visual information.

We all use words to communicate information–our ability to do so is extremely sophisticated. But when we need to present complex information visually, we may find ourselves at a ‘loss for words’, graphically speaking.

Do images and graphics possess the same qualities as the spoken or written word? Can they be concise and articulate? Are there rules and guidelines for visual vocabulary and grammar? How can we focus the viewer’s attention to emphasize a point? Can we modulate the tone and volume of visual communication? These and other questions are broadly addressed through design, which is the conscious application of visual and organizational principles to communication.

During the workshop, I will present the redesign of figures with focus on process and basic principles. The redesigns will focus on simplicity and clarity and will show how to accomplish them quickly without requiring specialist software. We'll also interactively critique figures and you'll get to practise what you've learned by sketching your own redesigns.