Proving the value of visual design in scientific communication

This study examines how scientists respond to visual design in scientific communications. Specifically, we determine the impact of on Graphical Abstract (GA), an overview figure that attracts potential readers and visually summarizes what a paper is about. We show GAs designed accordance with classic principles significantly enhance readers’ first impressions paper. Well-designed make papers seem more interesting, clearly written scientifically rigorous. These results confirm enhances rather than detracts from perception intellectual competence.