Research in the KielSCN
Our Aim
Our aim is to advance visual science communication based on evidence. We want to achieve this by investigating the user experience as well as by developing and testing different visual designs.
To boost engagement and participation in science communication, we explore collaborative and participatory approaches for visual design. This co-design process will be supported by trainings and guidance for the teams consisting of stakeholders with different backgrounds. Our mid-term goal is to enhance genuine community building activities and to form diverse communities that will allow a deeper knowledge transfer beyond filter bubbles.
As an initial topic, we focus on innovative health research. Health-related topics are of highest relevance for citizens and societies. But they also pose enormous challenges regarding their communication, as highlighted by the current Covid-19 pandemic and the diverse public responses. The strong involvement of our leading health scientists ensures a dynamic content decision based on scientific and societal relevance.
Our Agenda
The KielSCN research combines fundamental research and theory development with applied laboratory and field studies. This enables us to include outstanding and on-going research of cutting-edge science and society into our design, visual development and dissemination program.
Our Areas
Our research areas in the KielSCN explore different aspects of visual science communication. We want to understand:
- what characterizes high-quality visualizations in science communication and how they are developed,
- how different target groups experience visualizations and how design features can support the achievement of goals in science communication,
- what researchers, students and young people must be equipped with in order to enable them to communicate scientific findings effectively using visual tools.
Design: Collaborative and Participative Processes, Research Through Design and Quality Features
For us, participation in science communication begins in the design process. That is why we research collaborative and participation-oriented design approaches. Specifically, we document processes and investigate how participation in these processes affects the perception of users. In addition, we examine how we can create innovative, informative, efficient and aesthetic visualizations and determine what makes them stand out
Audiences: Cognitive and Emotional Processes, Effects and Needs
In order to improve our understanding of visual science communication, we investigate how certain design features influence the perception, use and impact of visualizations on different audiences. We consider both cognitive and emotional processes in the perception of scientific information. In addition, we take a look at the long-term impact of these processes on behavioral intentions or understanding. Another focus is on young target groups and the question on how science communication can consider their needs and habits better.
Services and Support: Training, Tools and Workshops for Various Audiences
We want to identify which support services are needed to empower or engage different target groups in science communication. To this end, we are developing training courses for scientists. We are also investigating how generative artificial intelligence (AI) can support them in creating effective communication formats. Furthermore, we are developing and testing projects, seminars and workshops for young people and students as well as creating tools for science communication practice.
Your Participation
Be a Part of the Team as a Fellow with Your Own Project
In order to establish the KielSCN as an international player in science communication research, we specifically integrate external expertise in research and creative fields by offering fellowships.
More information here.
Be a Part of the Team as a User Sharing Your Experience
One of our goals is to give the users an active voice to adaptively meet their needs and preferences right from the start. Therefore our designs will also be tested and improved with non-expert public and educational users in a form of participatory design very early on in the process. Stay tuned for more information and follow us on Twitter or Instagram.
Access our Research
Making our unique expertise available and providing insights into the latest research findings is considered a core duty of our work. We will make every effort to be at the forefront of engaging and interacting with academic and non-academic audiences. Our transfer portfolio involves a Clearing House, literature reviews, toolboxes, and transfer publications. We will also communicate directly on several channels, including for example this website, press releases or social media and look forward to meeting you at public events.