---
res:
  bibo_abstract:
  - "In an era of high-resolution displays, powerful design software, and automated
    plotting tools, one would think that scientific figures would be clearer than
    ever. Yet, despite numerous editorials, guidelines, and workshops dedicated to
    improving figure design, poorly constructed figures remain a persistent issue.
    Editors and experienced researchers have repeatedly highlighted key pitfalls such
    as cluttered layouts, inconsistent formatting, poor color choices, and misleading
    visuals. (1−8) Yet, the aforementioned graphical shortcomings continue to plague
    even high-impact journals. Why? The problem is not a lack of technology; it is
    a combination of poor design habits, rushed deadlines, and a tendency to treat
    figures as mere “data dumps” rather than as essential storytelling tools.\r\nMany
    people process information more effectively through visuals, naturally associating
    concepts easily when presented graphically. A well-crafted figure serves as a
    narrative within the larger story, making complex ideas more accessible. Unfortunately,
    visual storytelling often takes a backseat in scientific communication. Scientists
    are trained to analyze and interpret data, but many default to software-generated
    plots without considering accessibility or how their figures will be perceived
    by readers outside their immediate field. Without thoughtful design, figures lose
    their power to enhance understanding, ultimately limiting the significance of
    the research itself.\r\nIn this editorial, we examine the challenges that, in
    our view, hamper scientific figure design and discuss how thoughtful refinements
    driven by feedback, iteration, and design principles can enhance clarity and impact
    visual communication.@eng"
  bibo_authorlist:
  - foaf_Person:
      foaf_givenName: Aiswarya
      foaf_name: Rayaroth Puthiyaveettil, Aiswarya
      foaf_surname: Rayaroth Puthiyaveettil
      foaf_workInfoHomepage: http://www.librecat.org/personId=8aceb01b-8972-11ed-ae7b-d5fe53775add
  - foaf_Person:
      foaf_givenName: Christine
      foaf_name: Fiedler, Christine
      foaf_surname: Fiedler
      foaf_workInfoHomepage: http://www.librecat.org/personId=bd3fceba-dc74-11ea-a0a7-c17f71817366
  - foaf_Person:
      foaf_givenName: Maria
      foaf_name: Ibáñez, Maria
      foaf_surname: Ibáñez
      foaf_workInfoHomepage: http://www.librecat.org/personId=43C61214-F248-11E8-B48F-1D18A9856A87
    orcid: 0000-0001-5013-2843
  bibo_doi: 10.1021/acsmaterialsau.5c00037
  bibo_issue: '3'
  bibo_volume: 5
  dct_date: 2025^xs_gYear
  dct_isPartOf:
  - http://id.crossref.org/issn/2694-2461
  dct_language: eng
  dct_publisher: American Chemical Society@
  dct_title: 'Let us FIGURE it out: Why do scientists still make “bad” figures?@'
  fabio_hasPubmedId: '40385955'
...