Impactful Visuals - Effective graphics for academic communication
Help your visuals communicate your research story:
a short guide to organising complex graphics, explanatory diagrams and graphic abstracts
so they pass peer review!
Let's go!
Are you working on a figure for a paper?
Are you staring at the elements of that figure, thinking, 'what should go where?'. Or perhaps a reviewer has said your 'figure is misleading'.
The aim of this short guide is to tackle the common challenge of 'figure block'. When you know what you want to communicate, but you're unsure how to organise the design elements effectively in order to tell your science story.
Where do I start?
You'll learn a simple technique to decide how to layout figures, then apply fundamental visual design principles to enhance clarity. Create more compelling figures and reduce the back-and-forth of revision cycles.
'Misleading figure'
Use the large arrow below to move on to the next slide.
First, let's take a look at why figures can be difficult to interpret. Here's a figure depicting the process of academic research and publication. This figure is not as effective as it could be. Click below to discover the reasons.
Everything has equal visual weight
Click here
Creating a disorganised aesthetic
• The elements are all similar in size & colour.
• There are multiple type styles, sizes & weights.
Inadvertently suggesting importance
Reducing readability and clarity
• There are varying line & arrow sizes.
• The elements aren't aligned to each other.
When they see a figure, readers scan to look for the story. However, the issues shown here can cause visual overwhelm. When reviewers can't quickly grasp the message of a figure, they may reject it as 'unclear.'
When everything competes for attention
clarity is lost
Let's explore how you can avoid this problem from the outset.
When someone looks at a figure, they first want to know what it's about and then what it can tell them - similar to reading a title, then a paragraph of text. You can use a 3-step technique, described below, to help create more effective and engaging figures:
1. Pick one visual hook
1.
First, decide on one element to draw the reader into your figure - that's your visual hook, like the title in written text.
2. Design a reading order
2.
Second, plan and design the order you want readers to follow through your elements.
3. Make it
obvious
3.
Third, use size, colour, position and spacing to make that path obvious.
This process is explained in more detail over the next three slides. Let's dive in to picking your visual hook.
Step one sounds simple but it can trip people up: pick one visual hook. Not your methods and results and implications. It's a place for the reader's eye to land on the figure.
The 'title' of your figure could be:
the first step in your sequence,
'Research' in this instance
the part of the process that takes the most work,
Maybe writing the paper?
or the image you find most striking.
You're looking for something to draw readers into the process you're describing.
Let's pick 'Research' this time
Even if you're showing a multi-step process, or if all the elements are equally important in reality, readers still need a visual hook.
Figure creation - of course! :)
If someone only looked at one element of your figure, what would you like it be? That's your visual hook. Everything else flows from there. Next up: guide the reader through your figure.
Now we need to design the reader's journey. What path should they take through the elements to understand your story?
3.
1.
4.
A pencil and paper are handy here
This usually follows one of a few patterns. Perhaps a process, or method > main finding > evidence. Or alternatively, problem > solution > impact. Number the elements of the figure in the order in which they should be read.
6.
2.
5.
Make a basic chart of the elements.
A simple sketch is fine
Your figure may be more complex and include branching scenarios, but regardless of complexity, there should be some logical flow to the elements.
Add arrows to show the process
Then, using the flow chart as a guide, sketch out a first design – work roughly and quickly. Keep things simple!
7.
8.
Work through multiple iterations to devise the best layout. Keep working loosely like this because it isn't very time consuming.
Arrows can stick to the grid or follow smooth curves
Now we'll take the plan and make it obvious through design.
First make your visual hook stand out.
Then arrange the supporting elements to guide the reader through your figure. Try aligning them on a grid (which can be removed later).
You can group elements with boxes and group or separate them with lines.
Use the same typeface throughout. Emphasise labels using type size. Type weights can be used for grouping or to imply importance.
Darker = look here first
Bigger = more important
Sans serif typefaces (like Arial) are best for using at small sizes
Ensure arrows are either all the same size and weight or that they correctly infer importance.
Align text to the grid
Use a simple colour palette to add interest but not overwhelm.
These are starting design techniques - there are many ways to organise complex graphics, but it's fine to keep things simple. Focus on clearly communicating your research story.
Keep going - you can do it! :)
Use a grid with plenty of lines
Lines can also add definition
Boxes don't need to be square
Pause here and look at the figure you're currently working on. Apply the three-step technique and tick off the checklist as you go.
Clear visual hook
First, can you identify one clear visual hook, or are multiple elements competing for attention because of similar visual weight?
Logical reading path
Second, is there a logical reading path to ensure readers don't get lost?
Third, is that path visually obvious through size, colour, and position?
Obvious path
If any answer to any of the three questions is 'not really', you know what to focus on improving.
It's a good idea to check your figure with a colleague or friend. It's often difficult to see with fresh eyes when you understand the content so deeply - a new perspective can be invaluable. If they can easily understand the story you're telling, you've succeeded!
Download the figure organisation checklist
Remember, clear visual flow means peer reviewers are far less likely to make comments regarding figure clarity.
Download my figure organisation checklist to use as a quick reference with any figure.
Next up: What would you like to explore? Learn specific size and scale techniques, or discover how to design for colourblind readers.
Ready to skip the design learning curve, or want your own custom illustrated elements?
I specialise in turning academic research into compelling visuals.
From individual figures and bespoke illustrations to complete design packages and educational materials - I support projects at any scale - get in touch for a quote.
Love working on figure design and want more design tips? Join my mailing list for updates on new free resources - let me know what topics you'd like me to cover.
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Chantal Jackson
Created on September 22, 2025
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Transcript
Impactful Visuals - Effective graphics for academic communication
Help your visuals communicate your research story:
a short guide to organising complex graphics, explanatory diagrams and graphic abstracts
so they pass peer review!
Let's go!
Are you working on a figure for a paper?
Are you staring at the elements of that figure, thinking, 'what should go where?'. Or perhaps a reviewer has said your 'figure is misleading'.
The aim of this short guide is to tackle the common challenge of 'figure block'. When you know what you want to communicate, but you're unsure how to organise the design elements effectively in order to tell your science story.
Where do I start?
You'll learn a simple technique to decide how to layout figures, then apply fundamental visual design principles to enhance clarity. Create more compelling figures and reduce the back-and-forth of revision cycles.
'Misleading figure'
Use the large arrow below to move on to the next slide.
First, let's take a look at why figures can be difficult to interpret. Here's a figure depicting the process of academic research and publication. This figure is not as effective as it could be. Click below to discover the reasons.
Everything has equal visual weight
Click here
Creating a disorganised aesthetic
• The elements are all similar in size & colour.
• There are multiple type styles, sizes & weights.
Inadvertently suggesting importance
Reducing readability and clarity
• There are varying line & arrow sizes.
• The elements aren't aligned to each other.
When they see a figure, readers scan to look for the story. However, the issues shown here can cause visual overwhelm. When reviewers can't quickly grasp the message of a figure, they may reject it as 'unclear.'
When everything competes for attention
clarity is lost
Let's explore how you can avoid this problem from the outset.
When someone looks at a figure, they first want to know what it's about and then what it can tell them - similar to reading a title, then a paragraph of text. You can use a 3-step technique, described below, to help create more effective and engaging figures:
1. Pick one visual hook
1.
First, decide on one element to draw the reader into your figure - that's your visual hook, like the title in written text.
2. Design a reading order
2.
Second, plan and design the order you want readers to follow through your elements.
3. Make it
obvious
3.
Third, use size, colour, position and spacing to make that path obvious.
This process is explained in more detail over the next three slides. Let's dive in to picking your visual hook.
Step one sounds simple but it can trip people up: pick one visual hook. Not your methods and results and implications. It's a place for the reader's eye to land on the figure.
The 'title' of your figure could be:
the first step in your sequence,
'Research' in this instance
the part of the process that takes the most work,
Maybe writing the paper?
or the image you find most striking.
You're looking for something to draw readers into the process you're describing.
Let's pick 'Research' this time
Even if you're showing a multi-step process, or if all the elements are equally important in reality, readers still need a visual hook.
Figure creation - of course! :)
If someone only looked at one element of your figure, what would you like it be? That's your visual hook. Everything else flows from there. Next up: guide the reader through your figure.
Now we need to design the reader's journey. What path should they take through the elements to understand your story?
3.
1.
4.
A pencil and paper are handy here
This usually follows one of a few patterns. Perhaps a process, or method > main finding > evidence. Or alternatively, problem > solution > impact. Number the elements of the figure in the order in which they should be read.
6.
2.
5.
Make a basic chart of the elements.
A simple sketch is fine
Your figure may be more complex and include branching scenarios, but regardless of complexity, there should be some logical flow to the elements.
Add arrows to show the process
Then, using the flow chart as a guide, sketch out a first design – work roughly and quickly. Keep things simple!
7.
8.
Work through multiple iterations to devise the best layout. Keep working loosely like this because it isn't very time consuming.
Arrows can stick to the grid or follow smooth curves
Now we'll take the plan and make it obvious through design.
First make your visual hook stand out.
Then arrange the supporting elements to guide the reader through your figure. Try aligning them on a grid (which can be removed later).
You can group elements with boxes and group or separate them with lines.
Use the same typeface throughout. Emphasise labels using type size. Type weights can be used for grouping or to imply importance.
Darker = look here first
Bigger = more important
Sans serif typefaces (like Arial) are best for using at small sizes
Ensure arrows are either all the same size and weight or that they correctly infer importance.
Align text to the grid
Use a simple colour palette to add interest but not overwhelm.
These are starting design techniques - there are many ways to organise complex graphics, but it's fine to keep things simple. Focus on clearly communicating your research story.
Keep going - you can do it! :)
Use a grid with plenty of lines
Lines can also add definition
Boxes don't need to be square
Pause here and look at the figure you're currently working on. Apply the three-step technique and tick off the checklist as you go.
Clear visual hook
First, can you identify one clear visual hook, or are multiple elements competing for attention because of similar visual weight?
Logical reading path
Second, is there a logical reading path to ensure readers don't get lost?
Third, is that path visually obvious through size, colour, and position?
Obvious path
If any answer to any of the three questions is 'not really', you know what to focus on improving.
It's a good idea to check your figure with a colleague or friend. It's often difficult to see with fresh eyes when you understand the content so deeply - a new perspective can be invaluable. If they can easily understand the story you're telling, you've succeeded!
Download the figure organisation checklist
Remember, clear visual flow means peer reviewers are far less likely to make comments regarding figure clarity.
Download my figure organisation checklist to use as a quick reference with any figure.
Next up: What would you like to explore? Learn specific size and scale techniques, or discover how to design for colourblind readers.
Ready to skip the design learning curve, or want your own custom illustrated elements?
I specialise in turning academic research into compelling visuals.
From individual figures and bespoke illustrations to complete design packages and educational materials - I support projects at any scale - get in touch for a quote.
Love working on figure design and want more design tips? Join my mailing list for updates on new free resources - let me know what topics you'd like me to cover.