Graphical abstracts are now standard in many journals and preprints. They give readers a snapshot of your research and can make the difference between someone engaging with your work—or scrolling past. But not all graphical abstracts are created equal. Some resonate instantly, while others confuse or overwhelm. The difference often comes down to psychology—how our brains respond to color, icons, and placement. Let’s explore the science behind designing graphical abstracts that inform and persuade.

1. Why Some Graphical
Abstracts Work
…and Others Don’t
The Psychology of Visual Design

2. 1. Color:
More Than
Decoration
Warm colors attract
attention
Cool tones evoke calm.
Consistency and
accessibility are key (avoid
red-green contrasts).
Colors carry cultural and
emotional associations.

3. 2. Icons: Shortcut to the brain!
Icons help the brain
process visuals faster
than words.
Keep style and size
consistent.
Avoid overload! Icons
should support the story.

4. 3. Placement: Guiding the
Reader’s Eye
Use hierarchy
and flow (left-to-
right, top-to-
bottom)
White space
improves
structure and
legibility
Avoid
unnecessary
decoration

5. 4. Aesthetics and Cognitive
Ease
AESTHETIC-USABILITY
EFFECT:
ATTRACTIVE DESIGNS
FEEL EASIER TO USE.
PROCESSING FLUENCY
BUILDS TRUST AND
ENGAGEMENT.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
COUNT:
VISUAL APPEAL
BOOSTS VISIBILITY.

6. 5.
Evidence-
Based
Guideline
s
Integrate text and
visuals thoughtfully.
Use colors with
purpose and
accessibility in mind.
Prioritize clarity and
simplicity over
decoration.

7. GRAPHICAL
ABSTRACTS DO
MORE THAN
SUMMARIZE—
THEY
PERSUADE.
USE COLOR TO
DIRECT
ATTENTION.
APPLY ICONS
AS VISUAL
SHORTCUTS.
GUIDE THE EYE
WITH CLEAR
PLACEMENT.
LEVERAGE
AESTHETICS
TO BUILD
TRUST.
THE BEST
ABSTRACTS
INFORM AND
RESONATE.