Graphical Abstracts for Research Papers: Why You Need One and How to Create It

Abstract

As academic research becomes increasingly diverse and complex, the need for effective communication of scientific findings has never been more critical. This is especially true with research papers in the area of simulation in the health professions. Simulation use and simulation research has grown significantly over the past decade, and in large part due to the global pandemic, so have the number of users of simulation in the health professions. Given this increase in research, combined with new readers, effectively communicating research findings will become even more crucial to advancing the science of simulation. One way to enhance the accessibility and visual appeal of scientific articles is through the use of a graphic abstract. A graphic abstract is a visual summary of the key findings of a research article, presented in a graphic format. It typically includes visual elements such as diagrams, charts, and images, as well as a brief textual summary of the research. Graphic abstracts can be created using a variety of software tools, ranging from basic drawing tools to sophisticated design software. The purpose of a graphical abstract is to provide a quick and easy-to-understand overview of the research, making it easier for readers to grasp the main findings of the study at a glance. They are increasingly being used by academic journals such as Clinical Simulation in Nursing to enhance the accessibility and visual appeal of scientific articles. Currently authors are provided the opportunity to submit a graphical abstract as an option, however given the benefits of a graphical abstract, we will soon be strongly recommending that authors submit graphical abstracts with their research paper submissions. Elsevier has tools and resources for authors, which includes how to create a graphical abstract (https://www.elsevier.com/authors/tools-and-resources/visual-abstract). I suggest that authors start here to learn more about graphical abstracts. There are several benefits to including a graphical abstract in an academic article. Graphical abstracts provide a quick and easy-to-understand overview of the research, making it easier for readers to grasp the main findings of the study at a glance. This can be particularly helpful for readers who may be less familiar with the topic or who may be short on time. Graphical abstracts can enhance the visual appeal of an article, making it more attractive and engaging to readers, which can help draw readers in and encourage them to read the full article. And most importantly for the researcher, the graphical abstract can be a valuable tool for promoting research. Many academic journals and online platforms use graphical abstracts as part of their social media and marketing campaigns, which helps to increase the visibility and impact of the research. This is an important aspect of any knowledge translation strategy. Writing a graphic abstract can be a challenging task, as it requires condensing a complex research study into a visually appealing and easy-to-understand format. Here are some steps to help you write a graphic abstract:•Identify the main findings: Start by identifying the key findings of your research study. This will help you to focus on the most important information that needs to be included in the graphic abstract.•Create a rough sketch: Before creating your final graphic abstract, it can be helpful to create a rough sketch or outline of the design. This will give you an idea of how to arrange the different elements of the graphic, such as diagrams, charts, and images, and how to incorporate the textual summary.•Choose the design software: There are many different design software options available to create a graphic abstract, such as Adobe Illustrator, Canva, or even PowerPoint. Choose the software that you are most comfortable with and that best suits your needs.•Create the design: Once you have identified the main findings and have a rough sketch in mind, it's time to start creating the graphical abstract. Remember to keep the design simple, clear, and visually appealing. Use color, typography, and imagery to highlight the key findings and draw the reader's attention.•Write the textual summary: The textual summary is an essential part of the graphical abstract. It should be concise and easy to understand, highlighting the most important aspects of the research study. Use plain language and avoid jargon, acronyms, and technical terms.•Edit and refine: Once you have created your graphic abstract, take the time to review and refine it. Make sure that the design is clear and easy to understand. Overall, the use of graphical abstracts represents an innovative and effective way to enhance the accessibility, visual appeal, and impact of your simulation research. As such, we strongly encourage researchers/authors to consider incorporating a graphical abstracts with their submission, and to continue exploring new ways to communicate research findings in visually engaging and accessible ways.