Creation of scientific report

Challenge

Every couple of years, Gladstone releases a report on its scientific discoveries. It contains top level information on the findings from recent research into specific areas, such as heart disease or neurology. This report was on cardiovascular research, and aimed to showcase the work of many different labs working in this area. The challenge was to take a significant amount of scientific content and make it approachable and appealing to both a scientific and lay audience.

Solution

After some experimentation, I came up with a hexagonal graphic that I used to bring visual appeal to the report. It works as a metaphor for a biological cell (some of which are literally hexagonal in shape), as well as the cardiovascular research group at Gladstone, who collaborate in different formations and adapt by forming new units and reconfiguring as needed. I identified a freelance photographer to take portrait shots of our senior scientists in a classic, elegant style, and worked with them on-set to get the shots needed.

I worked with my art director, a scientific illustrator, and a contributing designer to bring all of the elements together.

Outcomes

The report’s design made complex scientific content more accessible to both experts and lay readers. The hexagonal motif served as a unifying metaphor for collaboration and biological structure, while the elegant portrait photography helped humanize the research. The piece was well received by scientists, donors, and internal teams, positioning Gladstone’s cardiovascular work as both innovative and approachable.

Role

Design/layout/art direction

Tools

PhotoShop/Illustrator/ InDesign

Selected Spreads

Scientific Retreat

gladstone.org

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