workshops

Communication in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) has historically been dominated by text-based mediums. Scientific articles, textbooks, reviews, conference proceedings, and posters rely heavily on the use of text to communicate scientific findings. These components are frequently aimed at reaching fellow scientists and individuals within the scientific community. Our current method of communication is framed primarily for those who conduct research, and as scientists we generally underutilize visual aids as a method of communication, which is arguably more effective. However, scientists and clinicians may struggle to translate scientific data into clear and informative graphics. The Designs that Cell team has consolidated and summarized the eight steps we use for creating eye-catching illustrations. These steps are intended as a practical resource for clinicians and scientists to use when creating scientific graphics for myriad projects, including manuscript figures, scientific poster presentations, and slides for oral presentations.