BayWiss-Workshop: »Explaining Science with Images« (1½ days)  Theory and application of visual science communication


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. Following a two-week independent work phase, participants upload their visual projects to a digital whiteboard. In a double-blind review format, peers provide structured feedback, which is then discussed and moderated to ensure targeted improvement and learning.

Agenda

29.10.2025 – Day One (Full day) | Design and TheoryStructure, Layout, Content & Illustration

9:30–09:45 Intro, Agenda and Outline
9:45–10:45 Part 01 (Fundamentals and Images of Science)
10:45–11:00 Morning Break
11:00–12:30 Part 02 (Visual Communication)
12:30–13:30 Lunch Break
13:30–15:00 Part 03 (Scientific Illustration, Concept&Process)
15:00–15:15 Afternoon Break
15:15–16:45 Part 04 (Graphic Design)
16:45–17:00 Wrap-Up/Q&A I

30.10.–12.11.2024: Individual working phase (10–14 days)

Results are uploaded to a digital white board

14.11.2025 – Day Two (Half day) | Online-Feedback

9:00–09:30 Intro, Agenda and Re-cap
9:30–10:00 Peer-Feedback
10:00–10:15 Lunch Break
10:15–12:15 Discussion
12:15–12:30 Wrap-Up and Closing remarks

The trainer

Dr. Johannes Richers, 2025 (Image: Hochschule Neu-Ulm)

Dr. Johannes Richers, 2025 (Image: Hochschule Neu-Ulm)

Dr. Johannes Richers is a scientist and designer located in Tübingen, Germany. In his work, the independent creative combines the fields of science, art and design. He received his academic education from the Technical University of Munich (M.Sc. Chemistry and Dr. rer. nat.), the Technical University in Berlin (2nd M.Sc. in Science Marketing), and the Hasso Plattner Institute in Potsdam (Design Thinking). He was supported by the German National Academic Foundation (Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes), received the ‘SciFinder Future Leader Award’ from the American Chemical Society in 2016, and was selected as ‘Artist in Residence’ at Factory Berlin × Sonar+D in 2019.

Jo Richers has designed more than 100 cover pages for scientific journals, has contributed to a range of successful research grant proposals (incl. ESC, POF, SFB, COE, NCCR) and is eager to share his knowledge in a variety of seminars and workshops.


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