Visual storytelling plays a crucial role in the effective communication of scientific and geographical information. The principles outlined in the article “Practical Visual Literacy for Science of Communication” emphasize the diverse forms of visuals, such as photos, conceptual diagrams, maps, graphs, and videos, that contribute to science communication. It underscores the need for a conscious integration of visual elements with text, emphasizing that visuals should not be treated as mere add-ons but as integral components. Furthermore, the article highlights the significance of diversity in visual elements to cater to a wide audience, stressing that the creation, selection, and editing of visuals should receive the same meticulous attention as textual content. This aligns with the idea that a well-crafted visual can enhance comprehension and engagement in scientific narratives.
Incorporating elements from “Improving Visual Communication of Science Through the Incorporation of Graphic Design Theories and Practices into Science Communication,” it becomes evident that bridging the gap between science communication and graphic design enhances the overall impact. The impediments discussed, including visual material treated as an add-on and a lack of audience-specific refinement, resonate with the need for careful design and user-centered approaches in science communication. The article highlights the role of graphic design theories and practices in addressing these challenges, advocating for a shift from the traditional emphasis on written discourse to a more integrated and visually appealing form of communication. This aligns with the emphasis on user-centered design for science communication, emphasizing the active involvement of users, interaction with design solutions, and multidisciplinary collaboration to enhance communication efficacy.
Additionally, “Scientific Storytelling using Visualization” introduces a novel perspective by focusing on storytelling as a means of presenting scientific data. The article highlights the importance of framing data as a narrative to make it more interesting and memorable, particularly when dealing with complex scientific issues. The insights from this reading contribute to the understanding that visualizations, including infographics, videos, and interactive elements, can serve as powerful tools in conveying scientific narratives. Combining these principles from visual literacy, graphic design, and scientific storytelling provides a comprehensive foundation for effective visual communication in the realm of science and geography. These valuable insights guided my selection of the following five visuals for the “Plastic Pollution in the Ocean: The Great Pacific Garbage Patch” photo essay, each chosen with a deliberate intent to leverage the principles discussed in the readings. Each visual is a strategic component in crafting a narrative that transcends scientific complexities to engage and inform the viewers.
Plastic Pollution in the Ocean: The Great Pacific Garbage Patch
The “Garbage Patches Fact Sheet” from NOAA’s Marine Debris Program serves as a comprehensive introduction to the pervasive issue of plastic pollution in oceans, with a particular focus on the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. The first page masterfully combines a top graphic illustrating the North Pacific regions and a text layout employing a blue and green color scheme that sets the tone for environmental awareness. Beneath this graphic, the text dispels the common misconception of garbage patches as visible islands of trash, aligning with the principles of visual literacy for science communication. This introductory section integrates diverse visual elements, showcasing a user-centered design by emphasizing the dynamic nature of garbage patches due to winds and currents.
The second page adeptly utilizes a colorful and organized layout, adhering to graphic design principles, to communicate the challenges of cleaning up these patches and suggesting actionable steps for individuals. By addressing the difficulty of open-ocean cleanup and encouraging preventative measures, the fact sheet aligns with the scientific storytelling approach, using visuals to convey essential messages. The hierarchy, proximity, and concise text create a reader-friendly experience, reinforcing the importance of user engagement. In essence, this fact sheet exemplifies how a combination of informative graphics, well-structured text, and a visually appealing design can effectively facilitate the viewer’s understanding of the complex issue of plastic pollution in oceans, inspiring both awareness and action.
The animated video “The Great Pacific Garbage Patch Explained” by The Ocean Cleanup serves as a dynamic visual narrative, employing deliberate pacing to unravel the extensive research conducted on the colossal issue of plastic pollution in the oceans. The use of animation and pacing in the video allows the audience to absorb intricate details of the research process, aligning with the principles of visual literacy for science communication. The video not only unfolds the shocking scale of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, presenting it as three times the size of France with 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic but also emphasizes the urgency of the matter. Overall, the animation strategy with deliberate pacing and clear visual storytelling makes this video a valuable source that effectively conveys the research findings and contributing to a deeper understanding of the plastic pollution crisis.
The infographic by Iberdrola, titled “The Great Pacific Garbage Patch” emerges as a compelling visual representation that encapsulates key aspects of the plastic pollution crisis in the oceans. The centerpiece of the infographic features a simple yet impactful illustrated graphic, portraying the expanse of the garbage patch both above and below the ocean’s surface. Surrounding this central image, succinct yet powerful text delivers critical information, including the patch’s exponential growth, vast area (1.6 million km2, nearly three times the size of France), and its substantial mass (approximately 80,000 tonnes, equivalent to 500 Boeing 747 Jumbo jets). Notably, the color scheme, dominated by varying shades of blue and green, echoes the oceanic theme and enhances the visual appeal. The inclusion of a small, boxed map and a bar graph with labeled tonnages further enriches the infographic, providing geographical context and a quantitative breakdown of plastic types within the patch. This visually striking and informatively dense graphic serves as a pivotal component in understanding the complexities of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, aligning with the principles of effective visual communication. Altogether, this infographic goes beyond mere illustration; it employs a thoughtful combination of design elements, colors, and content layout, effectively facilitating the viewer’s understanding of the intricate details surrounding the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
The photo infographic titled “The Great Pacific Garbage Patch” offers a distinctive perspective on this issue, employing a unique approach by utilizing actual photographs to depict the gravity of the plastic pollution crisis in the oceans. In contrast to the previous infographic, this visual representation provides an immediate and visceral connection to the issue at hand. The background of the infographic is an authentic photograph of a garbage patch, immediately immersing the viewer in the harsh reality of the environmental challenge. The accompanying text delves into crucial details, addressing the longevity of plastic due to its resistance to biodegradation and the alarming proportions of plastic production finding its way into the ocean. Cleverly incorporating a sidebar of boxed photographs and captions, the infographic not only elucidates the environmental disaster aspect but also touches upon the human and animal impact of the plastic-infested waters. By incorporating a visual element of garbage and portraying its entanglement with marine life, and including its source, this infographic offers a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted consequences of plastic pollution. The horizontal footer with a sequential depiction of the chemical impact on marine life and ultimately us, adds another layer of information, emphasizing the far-reaching implications of this crisis. This comprehensive and visually impactful infographic stands as a poignant testament to the urgent need for addressing plastic pollution, providing viewers with an intimate view of the devastating consequences it poses.
inally, the “Great Pacific Garbage Patch” infographic by ENERGYminute focused on size and location stands out as a visually compelling and informative representation of the plastic pollution crisis. The color scheme of black, white, and various blues creates a cohesive and visually engaging design. The header’s impactful imagery, featuring a sea turtle entangled in a plastic bag and a depiction of the ocean floor strewn with plastic bottles, immediately communicates the severity of the issue. The accompanying simple map with text and a garbage concentration key highlights the geographic location and provides a clear understanding of the patch’s size. The breakdown of debris types and their percentages adds granularity, challenging the misconception that single-use plastics dominate the patch. Notably, the inclusion of language breakdown on the debris sheds light on the global nature of the problem, emphasizing the international collaboration required for effective solutions. Lastly, the footer suggests a call to action by connecting a reduction in seafood intake to mitigating plastic in the oceans for thriving ecosystems. Overall, this infographic employs an effective layout with diverse visual elements to convey a comprehensive narrative, offering a unique perspective to the global issue by reflecting the principles of visual literacy and storytelling.
Our exploration of plastic pollution in the ocean concludes with a call to action echoed by the “Great Pacific Garbage Patch” infographic. Anchored in principles from our readings, this photo essay highlights the transformative potential of visuals — from fact sheets to dynamic animations and poignant photographs. We’re reminded that the solution lies not just in comprehension but in unified action, reflecting the essence of visual literacy, user-centered design, and scientific storytelling — a collective narrative.
Citations:
Module 6: Visual Storytelling in Science and Geography
“Practical Visual Literacy for Science Communication | Blog | Integration and Application Network.” Ian.umces.edu, ian.umces.edu/blog/practical-visual-literacy-for-science-communication.
Rodríguez Estrada, Fabiola Cristina, and Lloyd Spencer Davis. “Improving Visual Communication of Science through the Incorporation of Graphic Design Theories and Practices into Science Communication.” Science Communication, vol. 37, no. 1, 26 Dec. 2014, pp. 140–148, https://doi.org/10.1177/1075547014562914.
Ma, Kwan-Liu, et al. “Scientific Storytelling Using Visualization.” IEEE Computer Graphics and Applications, vol. 32, no. 1, 1 Jan. 2012, pp. 12–19, ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/6111347, https://doi.org/10.1109/MCG.2012.24. Accessed 25 Oct. 2021.
Module 3: Mapping and Data Visualization
“Information Visualization – a Brief Introduction.” The Interaction Design Foundation, www.interaction-design.org/literature/article/information-visualization-a-brief-introduction.
“Visual Mapping – the Elements of Information Visualization.” The Interaction Design Foundation, www.interaction-design.org/literature/article/visual-mapping-the-elements-of-information-visualization.
Watson, Hugh. (2017). Data Visualization, Data Interpreters, and Storytelling. Business Intelligence Journal. 22. 5-10.
Module 2: Perception and Emotions
Busche, Laura. “Simplicity, Symmetry and More: Gestalt Theory and the Design Principles It Gave Birth To.” Learn, 5 Oct. 2015, www.canva.com/learn/gestalt-theory.
Cao, Jerry. “Web Design Color Theory: How to Create the Right Emotions with Color in Web Design.” TNW | Tnw, 7 Apr. 2015, thenextweb.com/news/how-to-create-the-right-emotions-with-color-in-web-design.
“The Psychology of Fonts (Fonts That Evoke Emotion).” Envato, 16 Feb. 2023, elements.envato.com/learn/the-psychology-of-fonts-fonts-that-evoke-emotion.