Data visualisation: How to design scientific figures

Content:

What is the first thing we scientists look at in scientific articles or on posters? The figures! But they are not only meant to be eye-catching. They also convey information with a density that words can never attain. Because figures are so powerful in communicating scientific data, extra care should be taken when designing them. In this workshop, you will learn basic design rules and how to apply those rules to your figures. These universal concepts can be transferred to all kinds of scientific figures — from maps, diagrams, or plots to schematic visualizations.

Requirements:

Please bring one to three figures designed by you. We will work with these, giving you the opportunity to directly apply your new theoretical knowledge.

Intended Learning Outcomes:

• You understand basic design rules and how to apply them in the design of scientific figures (presentation and group discussion).
• You know how and why these design rules positively aid in understanding the message of a figure (comparison and discussion of figures).
• You are able to spot how figures can be improved (trainer input and practical exercise).
• You know about different color palettes, where to find them, and how to use them (practical exercise).
• You can identify suitable diagram types / visualizations for your data (group discussion, practical exercise).

Participation: The workshop is an offer for members of the Graduate Center for Doctoral Students.

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