In science communication, we use visuals to help our audience process information and construct mental models. This is because visuals help us understand certain concepts better than words alone, whether it is describing a simple shape like a triangle, or a more complex technique used in an experiment. By creating visuals, we can clarify the science for our audience as well as ourselves.

So how do we create an effective visual? We can turn to three visual strategies graphic designers use to direct and focus their audience’s attention.

We start with a canvas and a clutter of visual elements. How can we organize them so that our audience can make sense of it at a glance?

To start, we can use alignment to create structure in our visual. In design, alignment is the arranging of elements such that they line up in a layout. Visuals with well-placed and well-positioned elements aren’t just aesthetically pleasing; a clear structure establishes relationships between elements and guides our audience’s eye.

There are two types of alignment: edge alignment, to the top, left, right, or bottom, and center alignment, horizontal or vertical. When elements are well-aligned, a visual looks clear and confident. And when elements are out of alignment, they become noticeable and can devalue a visual if done arbitrarily. However, when it is done intentionally, it can introduce movement and direction into a layout.