This interactive workshop teaches the basics of graphic design and visual communication, specifically for scientists. The workshop aims to improve the ability to analyze and create useful images. Hence, participants learn to think critically about how their individual research output and its visual representation are related and get the opportunity to implement their ideas and techniques right away. 

The theoretical part of the course covers the historical use of images in science and data representation and establishes the fundamental components of visual communication and design theory. Insights into analyzing and creating useful scientific illustrations are provided by looking in more detail into i) tools, ii) typography, iii) color and iv) layout. The practical part consists of a step-by-step tutorial on the software ‘Adobe Illustrator’ and an open workshop with individual feedback. Participants are encouraged to design a valuable project for upcoming publications or presentations.

Speaker: Dr. Johannes Richers is a scientist and designer located in Tübingen, Germany. In his work, the self-employed freelance creative combines the fields of science, art and design. He received his academic education from the Technical University of Munich (Chemistry M.Sc. and Dr. rer. nat.), the Technical University of Berlin (second M.Sc. in Science Marketing), and the Hasso Plattner Institute in Potsdam (Design Thinking – Basic Track). He was supported by the German National Academic Foundation (Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes), in 2016 received the ‘SciFinder Future Leader Award’ from the American Chemical Society, and in 2019 was selected as ‘Artist in Residence’ at Factory Berlin × Sonar+D.

Location: The workshop will take place on-site at KIT, room TBA.