This seminar is for PhD students, postdocs, and researchers who want to improve the clarity and impact of their scientific figures — regardless of which software they use. It is for groups and can be booked by universities, research institutes, or companies. It is not offered as a course for individuals.
Figure Design Seminar — A half-day seminar on design principles for clear, effective scientific figures.
Who is This for
At a Glance
Half day (3–4 hours, flexible scheduling)
Figure design theory + figure feedback
Software-independent — no Illustrator needed
What You’ll Learn
Well-designed scientific figures aren’t a cosmetic luxury — they make your data easier to interpret and your message easier to grasp. This seminar covers the design principles that will immediately improve your figures, no matter which tool you create them with.
Visual Flow & Hierarchy
Guide the reader’s eye through your figure with clear structure, emphasis, and intentional layout.
Color Theory
Choosing effective palettes, using color to highlight data, avoiding ambiguity, and designing for color blindness.
Text & Labels
How to choose readable fonts, make labels effective — including placement and ensuring sufficient contrast against complex backgrounds.
Avoiding Chartjunk
Strip away clutter — unnecessary gridlines, heavy outlines, and decorative elements that obscure your data.
Figure Makeovers
Real-world examples of scientific figures redesigned for clarity — see common problems and how to fix them.
Scientific Charts
Choosing the right chart type, understanding chart perception, and why 3D charts usually do more harm than good.
Also Covered:
Concept and figure planning
Vector vs. pixel graphics
Graphical abstracts
Poster design basics
Copyright and using external images
Preparing figures for export
Bring Your Own Figures!
Send me your figures before the seminar. We’ll discuss selected examples as a group, identify common issues, and I’ll show how applying design principles can make them clearer and more effective.
Logistics
The seminar runs for approximately 3–4 hours and can be scheduled as a morning or afternoon session. Timing is flexible. It can be held in person or via Zoom. No software or laptops are needed — just bring your curiosity and, if you like, your figures.
Pricing depends on format and location — get in touch for a quote.
For more info on the seminar and a specific quote:
Also available:
Full 3-Day Workshop · 2-Day Crash Course
