How can you use 2D graphics to simplify complex scientific concepts?

1 Why use 2D graphics?

2D graphics are visual representations of data or information that use two dimensions, such as width and height, to display shapes, colors, text, and symbols. This type of graphics can help simplify complex scientific concepts by reducing the cognitive load on your audience, highlighting the most important aspects of the concept, adding context and meaning to it, and making it more appealing and engaging. For instance, 2D graphics can make a concept easier to process and remember by emphasizing patterns, trends, relationships, or comparisons. It can also provide context to a concept by using metaphors, analogies, or stories. Finally, 2D graphics can be used to make a concept more engaging with the use of colors, icons, or animations.

2 How to choose the right 2D graphic?

When simplifying complex scientific concepts with 2D graphics, it's important to consider the main message or goal of your graphic, the type of data or information you have, how much detail or complexity you need to show, and who your audience is. Charts, diagrams, maps, icons, and illustrations are all options. However, you must determine whether you want to show data, explain a process, illustrate a concept, or tell a story. Also consider whether the data is quantitative, qualitative, categorical or hierarchical and how much detail you need to include. Additionally, think about your audience's level of knowledge and interest in the concept and if technical terms or jargon should be simplified or used. Familiar or novel visuals may be employed as well.

3 How to design your 2D graphic?

Once you have chosen the type of 2D graphic that suits your purpose and audience, you need to design it in a way that makes it clear, accurate, and attractive. To do this, establish a clear and consistent visual hierarchy by using size, color, shape, or position to show the relative importance or order of the elements. Additionally, include labels, legends, captions, or titles to provide additional information or explanation for your 2D graphic. Utilize contrast, alignment, balance, and white space to create a visually pleasing and easy to read 2D graphic by using complementary colors, symmetrical layouts, proportional sizes, and enough space between the elements. Finally, add more dynamism and engagement to your 2D graphic by using animation, interactivity, or narration such as transitions, effects, buttons, or voice-overs.

4 How to evaluate your 2D graphic?

Before you publish or present your 2D graphic, it’s important to evaluate it to ensure it meets your intended goal and satisfies your audience's expectations. Ask yourself or your peers if the graphic is accurate and reliable, clear and understandable, relevant and useful, and appealing and engaging. Make sure the graphic conveys the main message without errors, distortions, ambiguity, misinterpretation, being too simple or too complex, boring, or flashy. Doing this will help capture the attention and curiosity of your audience.

5 How to improve your 2D graphic skills?

If you want to improve your 2D graphic skills to simplify complex scientific concepts, there are several resources and tools you can use. For example, you can take online courses or tutorials from Coursera, Udemy, or Skillshare to learn the basics and best practices of data visualization and graphic design. You can also join online platforms and communities hosted by Medium, Reddit, or Behance to view examples and tips of 2D graphics. Additionally, you can use online tools and software from Canva, Tableau, or Adobe Illustrator to create and edit 2D graphics with ease.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?