Show, don't tell: Creating visuals about your research
General context
Please be aware that the second day of this training has been delayed from 29 November to 22 December due to the train strike.
This course introduces researchers to the selection, creation and editing of images in order to communicate about their research.
We start by identifying the core elements of a powerful visual, by applying basic design and communication principles on visual communication.
We highlight four different types of images (icons, illustrations, photographs and graphs) and explore where to find them or how to create them.
In a hands-on section we introduce some free and powerful tools to edit images, and to combine them with textual elements to create a layout: Inkscape for vector images, Paint.NET for bitmap images, and RAWgraphs for charts.
The final section dives deeper into the use of visuals in the daily research practice, through different use cases: creating captions, legal and ethical aspects of image use and editing, and using images in graphical abstracts and scientific posters.
This course contains a variety of different exercises, including an assignment allowing participants to work on their own visual material, related to their own research.
- To be able to recognize and select suitable images (icons, illustrations and photos) for use in scientific communication.
- Knowledge about the four main types of images (icons, illustrations, photos and graphs, and to be able to decide which type to use in which situation.
- Knowing the difference between vector and bitmap illustrations, and being able to decide which type and file format to use in which situation.
- Ability to take photographs to communicate one's own research.
- Basic knowledge about the main types of graphs (bar chart, line chart, pie chart, and scatter chart), and when to use them.
- Being able to use photo editing software to scale, crop and rotate images.
- Ability to use photo editing software to adjust brightness, contrast and white balance of images, and to remove errors and backgrounds.
- Being able to use graphics software for combining af images and text.
- Being able to formulate a suitable title and caption that support the message of the image.
- Knowledge about the legal and ethical aspects of photo use and editing, and being able to apply these correctly.
- The ability to use images in the creation of graphic abstracts and scientific posters.
This course is a combination of theory, exercises (individual and in groups), practical examples and use cases. Note that there is some additional work to do in preparation of the course and in between day 1 and day 2 of the course. This will take in total about 2 to 4 hours.
There will be the possibility to ask questions in a one-on-one setting with the trainer.
Please don't forget to bring your laptop as this is a hands-on course!
Researchers interested in learning more about the selection, creation and editing of images to help communicating in a clear way about their research.
- This training is free for VIB participants.
- The course is not open for non-VIB participants.
- Note that upon no show without valid justification a fee of € 100 will be charged and you will be blacklisted for the VIB training program for 1 year. Click here for more information.
Trainers
Koen Van den Eeckhout
Koen Van den Eeckhout is an ex-physicist who is in love with visual communication: as a freelance information designer – operating under the name ‘Baryon’ – he creates insightful infographics, builds innovative data visualizations, designs engaging reports, and spreads his passion for visual information through workshops and presentations.
Program
Part I: Elements of a great visual
Chapter 1: The importance of visuals in research
1.1) Why visual communication works
1.2) Visual communication in research and science communication
Chapter 2: The elements of a great visual
2.1) Basic design principles
2.2) Defining your audience
2.3) Defining your message
2.4) Maximizing the signal-to-noise ratio
Part II: Types of visuals
Chapter 3: Icons
3.1) Abstract versus realistic representation
3.2) Where to find icons
3.3) Choosing the right icon
Chapter 4: Illustrations
4.1) Selecting an illustration style
4.2) Where to find illustrations
4.3) Illustration formats: vector versus bitmap
Chapter 5: Photographs
5.1) Where to find photographs
5.2) Choosing the right photographs
5.3) Creating your own photographs
Chapter 6: Graphs
6.1) An introduction to data visualization
6.2) Choosing the right graph type
6.3) Tools to create your own graphs
6.4 ) A checklist to create the perfect graph
Part III: Editing visuals
Chapter 7: Photo editing
7.1) An introduction to Adobe Photoshop Express
7.2) Cropping, resizing, and rotating
7.3) Brightness, contrast, and white balance
7.4) Corrections and background removal
Chapter 8: Combining images and text
8.1) Using Microsoft PowerPoint to manipulate images and text
8.2) Adding titles, labels and annotations
8.3) Colour scheme choices
8.4) Typography choices
Chapter 9: Further tools
9.1) An introduction to GIMP and Paint.NET
9.2) An introduction to Canva
9.3) Other tools
Part IV: Visualizing your research
Chapter 10: Case studies for researchers
10.1) Crafting captions
10.2) Legal aspects of using visuals
10.3) Ethical aspects of image editing
10.4) Creating graphical abstracts
10.5 ) Scientific poster design
Chapter 11: Inspiration
11.1) Books
11.2) Blogs and social media
11.3) Videos and podcasts
Practical info
22 November 2022 - 22 December 2022
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
Technologiepark 75
9052 Zwijnaarde
Belgium
22 November 2022 - 22 December 2022
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
From Ghent Sint-Pieters station, you can take a bus to Technologiepark. Please check Routeplanner De Lijn for schedules.
22 November 2022 - 22 December 2022
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
Looking for a custom cycling route? Try the online cycling route planner to easily and quickly identify the fastest, safest and/or most scenic route to any destination in Ghent.
Cycling route planner
Shared bicycles:
Several providers are active in the area.
Take a look at their platforms:
- Indigo Weel Pro app
- Bluebike
- DOTT
- BOLT eBikes
- Donkey Republic
There are also some public bicycle pumps at the park.
22 November 2022 - 22 December 2022
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
There is only one entrance to Technologiepark. At the entrance, please take a ticket - Parking is only allowed in regular parking spots (for instance in front of the building) and in the parking tower. Parking alongside the roads or in other places where there is no regular parking is prohibited.
22 November 2022 - 22 December 2022
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
Room L4