Introduction to Science Communication
Science Communication Media Design
Three pillars with questions for science communication media design:
(inspired by Duit et al.,[2]; cf. Brown University,[1]; Digital Media Center at the Anderson Academic Commons,[3])
- What is the most suitable medium for your goal, target group and your personal style?
- How can you design the selected medium to make it accessible, clearly structured, easy to follow and self-explanatory?
- How can you avoid disturbing elements in your medium?
- What is the best language/writing style to reach the audience?
- What visual elements should be selected (e.g., photos, diagrams, tables)?
- Is the contrast of colors, the size and style of fonts appropriate?
- What is the focus and goal of your message in terms of the contents?
- What should be the take-home message?
- Which of the science contents are necessary, which are beneficial, and which are unnecessary for your message?
- Are there key terms and concepts which need to be defined and explained?
- How can you present the contents in a transparent and balanced (multiperspective) way?
- How can you arrange the contents in a coherent way?
- Which ways do you see to contextualize the content and give relatable examples?
- What could be common pre-knowledge, perceptions and mindset of the specific target group on the topic?
- How can you make the audience understand and enrich/change their mindset (while considering local knowledge and perceptions; so without indoctrination)?
- How can you make your message meaningful, relevant and useful for the audience?
- How can you catch the attention, meet the needs and interests of the audience?
- What is the most suitable medium for your goal, target group and your personal style?
- How can you design the selected medium to make it accessible, clearly structured, easy to follow and self-explanatory?
- How can you avoid disturbing elements in your medium?
- What is the best language/writing style to reach the audience?
- What visual elements should be selected (e.g., photos, diagrams, tables)?
- Is the contrast of colors, the size and style of fonts appropriate?
What is the focus and goal of your message in terms of the contents?
- What should be the take-home message?
Which of the science contents are necessary, which are beneficial, and which are unnecessary for your message?
Are there key terms and concepts which need to be defined and explained?
How can you present the contents in a transparent and balanced (multiperspective) way?
- How can you arrange the contents in a coherent way?
Which ways do you see to contextualize the content and give relatable examples?
What could be common pre-knowledge, perceptions and mindset of the specific target group on the topic?
How can you make the audience understand and enrich/change their mindset (while considering local knowledge and perceptions; so without indoctrination)?
How can you make your message meaningful, relevant and useful for the audience?
How can you catch the attention, meet the needs and interests of the audience?
