Workshop: "Effective Visual Communication of Science"

Target Audience: PostDocs and other researchers who have to communicate complex ideas and results

Session format: 2 day interactive workshop

Facilitator: Dr. Jernej Zupanc, Visual Communication Strategist & Trainer, Seyens Ltd., University of Ljubljana

Short Description:

People are 'visual creatures'. When reading research papers, conference posters or viewing slide presentations, we tend to look at figures first. If created properly, figures are the most effective way to attract audience, explain complex ideas in the shortest amount of time and raise your credibility. 

Learning objectives: 

    By the end of this session participants will ...

• Learn how to make your scientific communication more easily understood by peer scientists or other audiences.
• Understand the underlying principles of visual communication, like: how to create an intuitive eye-flow, a good visual hierarchy and how to use colors to amplify, not fancify.
• Apply the principles to improve your journal papers, slide presentations, conference posters and project proposals.

Note: Special attention will be given to data visualizations and image file formats including the basics of various computer programs.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Spaces are limited to 24 participants. The priority is giving to Postdoctoral Scholars.

Registration deadline: March 5, 2018

Workshop Schedule:

Day 1. Essential visual communication principles and a graphical abstract drawing exercise

[✔] How to effectively communicate with specific scientific and non-scientific audiences
[✔] Human visual perception and what we find intuitive
[✔] Colors: how to amplify, not ‘fancify’
[✔] Visual organization: how to structure to simplify comprehension
[✔] Eye-flow: effortlessly guide the audience through the design
[✔] Typography: how to choose and combine fonts for legibility and aesthetics
[✔] Visual consistency: how to make consistent style for multiple figures
[✔] Graphic design software: technical tips for Photoshop, Illustrator, InkScape and PowerPoint
[✔] Graphical abstract drawing exercise: draw your own research and get feedback from your peers

Day 2. Comprehensive application of Day 1 lessons to different types of scientific communication

[✔] Conference posters: purpose, strategy and process for creating posters that attract and explain
[✔] Slides that don’t distract and amplify your messages when presenting
[✔] Data visualizations: true, clear, and good looking presentation of scientific data
[✔] Project proposals: how to structure and visually enhance a document to help the evaluator
[✔] Digital image file-types: compression, resolution and the best use of vector and raster images

TO REGISTER CLICK HERE.

STUDENT REGISTRATION. CLICK HERE.

Post-event survey SUMMARY