Design and science partnerships: Intersections of science literacy, service learning, and climate change communications

Background/Question/Methods

It is increasingly important for the public to understand the significance of the vast convergence of climate change data that collectively illustrate (1) anthropogenic activities demonstrably changing Earth’s atmosphere and climate (2) ecological and social impacts of climate change and (3) tangible solutions for reducing human impacts on climate change.  Improved communication of these themes must occur in order for the public to understand and be motivated to change “business as usual”.

 Important scientific results are being lost in the vast flotsam of climate change misinformation on the Web and in the media, where ‘doubt is manufactured’ deliberately to confuse the public about how ‘settled the science is’ or whether human activity can negatively alter the energy balance of our planet.  As ecologists, we are trained to create technically accurate graphics, but receive little training in what Edward Tufte called “the visual display of quantitative information”.  We are trained to share our message in peer-reviewed journals and technical audiences, but lack expertise in translating our work for audiences not like us. Inspiring visuals and jargon-free messaging are all too rare.  We need to form partnerships with experts in visual communication to share scientific results in a way that delights and engages the public and broadens our audience. 

To that end, this presentation describes a collaborative partnership was formed between BFA students from a private college of art and design and climate change scientists from a nearby large public university.  This project was conducted as a service-learning component of a junior-level “Infographics” course, where the scientists were the recipients of artistic pro bono design services.

Results/Conclusions

This collaboration is an unusual demonstration of broader impact activities, and one where designers are vital partners.  As a result, scientists improve their verbal communication skills and their ability to edit and refine visual communication to target audiences not normally reached by ESA’s scientists.  Scientists also receive a number of high-quality infographics for their use, hip-looking and designed in a manner to target readers of “Wired” or “Discover”.  Illustrators also improve their science literacy on specific elements of climate change science, and general scientific principles of the graphics display of information.  Such activities extend the audience and comprehension of our ecological research and lessons learned in this art:climate partnership can help inform future Broader Impacts of grants.