Learning how to teach visual communication design skills to scientists and engineers

This research provides a picture of how scientists and engineers, particularly those in graduate training programs, respond to the need to create visual communication artifacts in the absence of any formal training in visual communication design. Two interview-based studies were carried out, revealing how scientists and engineers approach visual design tasks; the software tools they use; their sources of images; and their interactions with advisors and colleagues during the design process. I found that the strategies of design-by-imitation and design-by-reuse were common. This research also provides evidence that a moderate amount of design training can influence how scientists and engineers think about design and how they approach design tasks. Finally, suggestions are made for how a curriculum in visual communication design can align with the needs of this population.