Infographics in Science

Infographics are very commonly used among graphic designers, advertisers, public relations specialists and any businesses that are hoping to convey a topic. However, one realm that we don’t think of too often for needing infographics is the science realm.

I created this scientific infographic about the ongoing RSV vaccine shortage, specifically for babies. This problem is brand new to the U.S. this year because it is the first year an RSV vaccine was rolled out. Due to the high demand, doctors across the nation have been experiencing limited access to these vaccines for their patients.

Why Science?

The first infographic was made to help display historical and geographical concepts. For example, the first infographic was a geological map of England and Wales developed in 1801. This was also known as the map that changed the world, (Friendly and Denis). However, now that we have more advanced ways of creating information, infographics have become especially useful in science. This is because scientific issues often have complex explanations that are more easily visualized than said. Therefore, scientists take advantage of infographics that can explain processes like photosynthesis all the way to how to avoid getting sick in the winter.

“Communicating science is just as important as practicing it,” — Prasenjeet Yadav, molecular oncologist. This quote was shared in a talk by Carolyn Barnwell about visual storytelling.

Researchers and scientists put long hours into their work, however without a way for the public to understand their findings, the work is meaningless. Infographics are highly valuable because many people are visual learners. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, about 80% of college students are visual learners and about 65% of all people are visual learners, (Naseer and Frantzidis). Therefore, a majority of people would need to see the science in a visual form in order to understand it.

In addition, infographics have the ability to present ideas in a concise and engaging manner, (George). These graphic illustrations include concepts like Bohr’s atomic model and NASA’s photographs of the Earth, (Davis).

Part of what makes these graphics so powerful is that they can stand alone without further explanation. According to the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, “visual elements should have enough information or captions to allow stand alone comprehension.” This allows visuals to be used and reused with the same strength in comprehension.

Works Cited

“….” …. - YouTube, 2 March 2023, https://www.everydayhealth.com/lung-respiratory/consumers-guide-to-rsv-vaccines-for-older-adults/?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=ppc&utm_campaign=eh_cs_ag_1224856955306912&utm_content=eh_cs_cid_76553691058795&msclkid=4fb124aef14f1d2cfb2b41d885a9a6b5. Accessed 10 December 2023.

“….” …. - YouTube, 2 March 2023, https://www.rsvandme.com/?cc=ps_BWJDX5MAW21479676&mcm=330002&gclid=27819cd3fcae1a2d971bf9a5e9e78404&gclsrc=3p.ds&msclkid=27819cd3fcae1a2d971bf9a5e9e78404. Accessed 10 December 2023.

Davis, Lloyd Spencer. Improving Visual Communication of Science Through the Incorporation of Graphic Design Theories and Practices Into Science Communication. Vol. 37, 2015. Science Communication, SAGE Publications.

Friendly, Michael, and Daniel J. Denis. Milestones in the History of Data Visualization. Infografe, York University, infografe.com.br.

George, Elizabeth. “Research Infographics: Advantages and Tips to Create Impactful Visuals.” Researcher.Life, 27 July 2023, https://researcher.life/blog/article/research-infographics-advantages-and-tips-to-create-impactful-visuals/. Accessed 10 December 2023.

Grays, Dee Dee. “Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): New vaccines, shortages and protecting those at risk - Vital Record.” Vital Record, 7 December 2023, https://vitalrecord.tamhsc.edu/whats-behind-the-respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv-vaccine-shortage/. Accessed 10 December 2023.

“Health Alert Network (HAN) - 00499 | Limited Availability of Nirsevimab in the United States—Interim CDC Recommendations to Protect Infants from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) during the 2023–2024 Respiratory Virus Season.” CDC Emergency Preparedness, 23 October 2023, https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2023/han00499.asp. Accessed 10 December 2023.

Naseer, Noman, and Christos Frantzidis. “Classification of Visual and Non-visual Learners Using Electroencephalographic Alpha and Gamma Activities.” NCBI, 7 May 2019, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6513874/. Accessed 10 December 2023.

“RSV-NET Interactive Dashboard.” CDC, 25 October 2022, https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/research/rsv-net/dashboard.html. Accessed 10 December 2023.

“Symptoms and Care of RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus).” CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/about/symptoms.html. Accessed 10 December 2023.

“Update on RSV and New Vaccine Recommendation.” CDC, 22 September 2023, https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/whats-new/rsv-update-2023-09-22.html. Accessed 10 December 2023.