How can you simplify complex concepts with graphic design?

1 Use visual hierarchy

Visual hierarchy is the way you organize and prioritize the elements of your graphic design, such as text, images, colors, shapes, and fonts. It helps you guide your audience's attention and show them what is most important, relevant, or interesting. To create a strong visual hierarchy, you can use contrast, size, alignment, proximity, and repetition to differentiate and group your elements. For example, you can use a large and bold font for your main headline, a smaller and lighter font for your subheadings, and a different color or shape for your call to action.

2 Use metaphors and analogies

Metaphors and analogies are figures of speech that compare two things that are different but have something in common. They can help you simplify complex concepts by relating them to something that your audience already knows or experiences. For example, you can use a metaphor of a tree to explain the structure of a website, or an analogy of a car engine to explain how a computer works. To use metaphors and analogies in graphic design, you can use images, icons, symbols, or diagrams that illustrate the comparison and make it easy to understand.

3 Use charts and graphs

Charts and graphs are visual representations of data, such as numbers, percentages, trends, or relationships. They can help you simplify complex concepts by showing patterns, differences, or similarities that are not obvious in text or tables. For example, you can use a pie chart to show the distribution of market share, a line graph to show the change of sales over time, or a scatter plot to show the correlation between two variables. To use charts and graphs in graphic design, you can use tools like Excel, PowerPoint, or online platforms like Canva or Infogram to create and customize them.

4 Use icons and illustrations

Icons and illustrations are simplified drawings that represent objects, actions, or ideas. They can help you simplify complex concepts by reducing them to their essential features and making them more recognizable and memorable. For example, you can use an icon of a magnifying glass to represent search, an illustration of a light bulb to represent innovation, or a combination of both to represent creative problem solving. To use icons and illustrations in graphic design, you can use free or paid resources like Flaticon, Freepik, or Noun Project to find and download them.

5 Use color and typography

Color and typography are two fundamental elements of graphic design that can affect the mood, tone, and meaning of your message. They can help you simplify complex concepts by creating contrast, harmony, or emphasis. For example, you can use color to highlight key information, create associations, or convey emotions. You can use typography to express personality, hierarchy, or clarity. To use color and typography in graphic design, you can use tools like Adobe Color, Coolors, or Font Squirrel to find and apply them.

6 Use white space and simplicity

White space and simplicity are two principles of graphic design that can enhance the readability, usability, and aesthetics of your message. They can help you simplify complex concepts by eliminating unnecessary elements, focusing on the essential ones, and creating balance and harmony. For example, you can use white space to create breathing room, separate sections, or draw attention. You can use simplicity to reduce clutter, avoid confusion, or increase impact. To use white space and simplicity in graphic design, you can follow the rule of less is more and apply the KISS principle: keep it simple, stupid.

7 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?