Strong graphic design skills allow a science communicator to both organize their information in a thematic manner that is easy for readers to follow and visualize elements of their research so that the science itself becomes more accessible to a wider audience. A solid foundation in graphic design allows a science communicator to storyboard and visualize elements that are key to communicating their message before integrating the elements into a single engaging product that flows easily from one concept to another, minimizing the degree of effort required for a reader to absorb the provided information.

Badge details

Earning Criteria

Recipients must complete the earning criteria to earn this badge

A Digital Badge in Graphic Design is earned through studies incorporating the following key topics and corresponding competencies:

Develop a symbol using Adobe Illustrator:

Learners will be able to:

1. Develop a foundational understanding of digital vector-based design software
2. Re-create a provided symbol as a means of practicing with Illustrator
3. Successfully export their symbol so that it might be uploaded to the IAN Symbol Library

Practice visual editorial skills

Learners will be able to:

1. Learn how to distinguish the difference between an effective and ineffective visual
   product
2. Practice their editorial skills by providing comments on what’s wrong with a provided
   conceptual diagram and how it could be improved

Create a conceptual diagram

Learners will be able to:

1. Create a storyboard draft of a conceptual diagram based on either their own research or a provided prompt
2. Identify key visual elements required to generate an effective conceptual diagram
3. Take those storyboard and visual elements and integrate them into a visually compelling and informative conceptual diagram that is easy to follow

Develop a poster in InDesign

Learners will be able to:

1. Develop a foundational understanding of layout and design principles
2. Develop a foundational understanding of digital layout software
3. Produce a visually compelling and information rich poster in InDesign based on their
   conceptual diagram; learners will use InDesign tools to emphasize key ideas and
   messages of the conceptual diagram
4. Successfully package their InDesign document so that anyone else might open up their document to make future edits

Evidence of Mastery:

Students will submit a visually striking symbol, a list of edits and comments for a provided conceptual diagram, a conceptual diagram they will have made themselves, and an InDesign package for a poster they created.

Foundations of Graphic Design:

• Read/Watch the presentations and video modules listed above
• Providing comments on and suggested edits to a provided conceptual diagram

Creating Vector-based Visuals

• Reviewing the Illustrator presentations and videos listed above
• Generating a symbol
• Generating a conceptual diagram

Layout and Design

• Reviewing presentations and videos above related to layout and InDesign
• Generating a poster
• Packaging a poster