We Need To Talk...About Graphs

Dr. Alex Bajcz

Quantitative Ecologist, Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center

Abstract

Often, the culmination—and distillation—of an entire project ends up being one or more graphs. Yet despite that central role, we  seem to not discuss graph design as deeply as topics like study design or methodology. In this seminar, Alex, MAISRC’s quantitative ecologist, explores how to bring accessibility, intentionality, and evidence-based practice to scientific graph design. Using a single graph as a case study, he models how to evaluate and improve a graph using principles from data visualization, psychology, and Universal Design. Topics include appropriately defining a graph’s purpose, weeding elements to reduce complexity, designing for how people actually see and read, and bolstering captions so graphs can stand alone. Rather than prescribe a “correct” method, Alex encourages the audience to develop their own, more thoughtful and deliberate design process to maximize research impact.