Common mistakes in graphical abstract design and how to avoid them
With numerous international journals requiring the submission of graphical abstracts, designing an effective graphical abstract for your research paper may seem daunting. Often, researchers end up being confused regarding what goes into designing impactful graphical abstracts.
This article will take you through 5 common graphical abstract design mistakes and offer tips on how to avoid them.
Common Graphical Abstract Design Mistakes
Although authors worldwide are getting used to designing graphical abstracts to increase their research visibility, here are some graphical abstract mistakes that are often observed in the designing process.
Not using a specific layout
Your graphical abstract is the first thing that readers see before diving into your paper. Having a clear and consistent pictorial representation with an easy-to-follow layout can motivate readers to go deeper into your research. Ask yourself:
Should my graphical abstract “read” from top to bottom or from left to right?
What would be the ideal dimensions to fit in my data?
How do I maintain a balance between text, data plots, chart types, and pictograms to ensure that the readers understand the graphical abstract design without having to refer to my paper?
These pointers can help you create easily readable graphical abstracts that catch the eye of the readers.
Using inconsistent icons and fonts
Imagine an advertisement or a poster that contains different-sized pictograms or random icons that seem disconnected with irregular fonts. It appears visually jarring, doesn’t it? Well, that’s because the visual representation lacks consistency.
Here’s how you can ensure consistency in presentation:
The visual elements used in your image should preferably come from the same library. Avoid using pictograms, symbols, and icons from multiple repositories to represent a single schematic.
The font and font size of the text should be consistent across the entire image.
The overall appearance of the visual elements, such as the linewidth, color scheme, and level of detail, must be same.
You can take the help of journal guidelines to understand the formatting requirements and design your graphical abstract accordingly.
Having a poor background
Keep in mind that the objective of creating your graphical abstract is to help readers grasp the crux of your research at first glance. If the visuals lack clarity at first look because of low contrast or a patterned background, the reader may lose interest.
It is always better to use a background that contrasts well with the foreground elements of your graphical abstract. For instance, if your design contains bright-colored or darker-shaded elements, a light-colored background can be ideal. However, if the foreground elements are of a lighter shade, it makes sense to use a darker background.
Also, avoid patterned backgrounds as they can be visually distracting.
Adding unnecessary elements
Once you have set the layout for your graphical abstract design, stick to it. Often, as the designing progresses, additional elements may come into picture that may seem relevant to the graphical abstract. However, they may be unnecessary. Look for the following pointers:
What value does this element add to my graphical abstract design?
Does the addition of this icon/pictogram/arrow provide any more information that the existing design already does?
In the overall picture, how important is this aspect for the readers to understand the main message of my research?
Remember, cramping together a bunch of elements is a common graphical abstract design mistake. Avoid overcrowding your graphical abstract and be minimalistic in your design approach.
Using too many colors
Have you heard the saying “Too many cooks spoil the broth?” It simply means that “excess of anything can be detrimental!”
You might feel inclined to use as many colors as you can when designing your graphical abstracts to make them more eye-catching. But it might go against you! Limit the number of colors in your design to four or fewer to avoid overwhelming the reader with excessive colorful elements, which might take the focus away from the main message of your graphical abstract.
Graphical Abstract Best Practices
In summary, follow the below best practices to avoid graphical abstract mistakes.
Always design graphical abstracts after completing your manuscript so that you can summarize your research well in a pictorial format.
Consistency is key! Double check your icons, pictograms, fonts, arrows, colors, labels, and overall alignment to ensure that there are no inconsistencies in design.
Less is more! When it comes to graphical abstract designs, be sure to follow a simplistic and minimalistic approach to ensure an effective outcome.
Looking to make your research more impactful? Check out Editage’s Graphical Abstract Design Services and get professional support to make your research stand out.
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