The growing flood of information in traditional and new media is putting healthcare professionals under increasing pressure if they want to stay up to date with the latest knowledge. One solution is the visual presentation of data in the form of graphical abstracts. Dr. Michael Wenzel, Medical Director at MCG Medical Consulting Group, explains the trend and gives tips for visualizing research data.
The traditional communication of research results is largely based on extensive text formats. This alone is proven by 3.3 million scientific and engineering articles published worldwide in 2022, according to the US National Science Foundation. In addition to the steadily growing number of text-focused publications, there is also another trend: so that their readers can grasp the essence of the article at a glance, many medical journals supplement their publication with pictorial summaries, so-called graphical abstracts. Some magazines even require authors to use this format as an integral part of the manuscript to be submitted.
What are graphical abstracts?
Graphical abstracts are visual summaries of scientific work that convey the most important content at a glance. They combine minimal text with concise graphics, charts, and symbols to make complex information easy to understand. Especially in clinical studies, they significantly reduce the time required to receive the data. Many journals now require this format as an integral part of manuscripts.
Study data at a glance.
The consistent use of graphic elements can convey the most important content of a scientific paper in a much shorter period of time than is required to read the full text. Accordingly, the graphical abstract builds on experience in creating PowerPoint presentations: It is the simple slides with relevant graphics and little text that make complex information quickly comprehensible and comprehensible for the eyes and brain. This also applies to clinical studies: The graphical presentation of the study design as a structogram has been learned and the visualization of the results as a diagram, in combination with symbols, illustrations and minimal text, can reduce the time required to receive the data. Working towards intuitive understanding and memorability does not mean that a high degree of scientific conciseness must be sacrificed.
Graphical abstracts — benefits at all levels
While doctors consume the visual summary of data via specialized media, at conferences, in medical education formats or via digital specialist platforms, the compact presentation also has the advantage that it can also be used in general scientific communication and to communicate the data to laypeople interested in science with little effort. Because fierce competition in medical research is not only about important work, its statements and value for practice being noticed by experts, but also about accelerating the implementation of new findings in a clinical setting. Therefore, the relevance of results from medical research for health care should also be quickly and correctly assessed by policy makers, health care managers and sometimes even the general public.
For modern audiences who prefer digital media and are used to snackable content, graphical abstracts are another elegant format for conveying scientific data. Even when it comes to transporting research findings across educational and cultural borders, pictures often speak louder than words. Graphical abstracts are a relevant communication approach to remove barriers of this kind.
When creating a graphical abstract, it is worthwhile to consider a few design principles.
Graphical Abstracts 7 tips for a successful design.
User experience.
Always keep an eye on which data the audience is interested in.
continuity.
All information in the graphical abstract should also be found in the original text.
format.
Icons show the strongest appeal in specialist media, but cartoon-like drawings tend not. Infographics are popular on social media.
Clear objectives.
Set a focus and clearly present the key message. In clinical trials, presenting the primary endpoint is more important than listing each secondary endpoint.
Meaningful headlines.
Strong keywords are appealing and tempt you to take a closer look.
image size.
The size of a graphical abstract should be chosen depending on the platform. It is worthwhile to think beyond usability in a publication or in a PowerPoint presentation for the presentation. For display in both mobile and desktop applications, the square 1:1 format is still a standard size. Mobile applications are now more likely to use the 4:5 longitudinal format, which takes up more space and is therefore more likely to be seen.
accessibility.
Make sure the color contrasts are good and do not choose colors that are too bright or too similar. Don't choose font sizes too small.
Conclusion.
There are many ways to visually represent research. When designing a graphical abstract, it is worthwhile to broaden your horizons and try out new formats. The path to improvement is step-by-step — practice makes perfect!
7 tips for designing graphical abstracts.
When creating a graphical abstract, it is worthwhile to consider a few design principles.
- Focus on user experience: Always keep an eye on which data the audience is interested in.
- Clarity of objectives: Set a focus and clearly present the core message. In clinical trials, presenting the primary endpoint is more important than listing each secondary endpoint.
- Ensure continuity: All information in the graphical abstract should also be found in the original text.
- Set meaningful headlines: Strong keywords appeal and entice you to take a closer look.
- Choose an appealing format: Icons are the most attractive in specialist media, but cartoon-like drawings tend not. Infographics are popular on social media.
- Select platform-appropriate image size: The size of a graphical abstract should be selected depending on the platform. It is worthwhile to think beyond usability in a publication or in a PowerPoint presentation for the presentation. For display in both mobile and desktop applications, the square 1:1 format is still a standard size. Mobile applications are now more likely to use the 4:5 longitudinal format, which takes up more space and is therefore more likely to be seen.
- Design barrier-free: Make sure there are good color contrasts and do not choose colors that are too bright or too similar.
