Picturing science: Design patterns in graphical abstracts

Abstract

A graphical abstract (GA) provides a concise visual summary of a scientific contribution. GAs are increasingly required by journals to help make scientific publications more accessible to readers. We characterize the design space of GAs through a qualitative analysis of 54 GAs from a range of disciplines, and descriptions of GA design principles from scientific publishers. We present a set of design dimensions, visual structures, and design templates that describe how GAs communicate via pictorial and symbolic elements. By reflecting on how GAs employ visual metaphors, representational genres, and text relative to prior characterizations of how diagrams communicate, our work sheds light on how and why GAs may be distinct. We outline steps for future work at the intersection of HCI, AI, and scientific communication aimed at the creation of GAs.