designING labels & arrows
IN SCIENTIFIC FIGURES
Article published in the Visual Communications issue of Medical Writing,
journal from the European Medical Writers Association (EMWA).
journal from the European Medical Writers Association (EMWA).
/ ABSTRACT
There is an enhanced communicating power of text when associated with visuals. This is a compelling argument for furnishing medical writers and researchers with basic knowledge on how to adapt and create simple figures. This article discusses tips on adding labels and arrows to preexisting illustrations. These elements are fundamental components of scientific figures and should be consistent and designed from the start. By properly adjusting the alignment, style, and negative space of labels and arrows it is possible to convey further meaning and enhance the reading flow of figures.
⇢ Guerra, D. (2020). Get your (visual) act together: Optimising the design of labels and arrows in medical illustrations. Medical Writing, 29(1), 22-26.
Updated April 2020
© Diogo Guerra. 2020