Scientific figures are the backbone of research communication — yet many are rejected, misunderstood, or ignored simply because the visual structure is unclear. Regardless of how strong the data is, a confusing figure can weaken the impact of your work.
Redesigning your figures is one of the fastest ways to improve readability, impress reviewers, and strengthen your manuscript. This guide explains how to identify confusing visual elements, how to simplify complexity, and how scientific illustrators turn raw diagrams into clear, publication-ready figures.
Why Scientific Figure Redesign Is Often Necessary
Researchers often build figures over months or years, adding more and more details until the composition loses clarity. Common reasons figures become confusing include:
- data added in multiple layers
- inconsistent fonts and colors
- unclear direction of flow
- crowded compositions
- mixing styles (PowerPoint shapes + screenshots + arrows)
- lack of visual hierarchy
- too many elements competing for attention
Reviewers frequently complain that figures are “difficult to interpret” or “visually dense.” A redesign solves this quickly by revealing the core message.
The Most Common Problems in Scientific Figures
Here are the issues scientists encounter most frequently — and the exact solutions illustrators apply.
1. Overcrowded Layouts
Problem: too many elements crammed into a single panel.
Solution: grouping, spacing, and layering to visually reorganize content.
2. Inconsistent Typography
Problem: mixed font families, sizes, or weights.
Solution: standardized journal-compliant typography.
3. Random Color Usage
Problem: colors chosen arbitrarily or with poor contrast.
Solution: consistent palette with clear meaning, high contrast, and accessibility.
4. Weak Visual Hierarchy
Problem: no clear focal point; everything feels equally important.
Solution: scale, spacing, and color are adjusted to highlight what matters most.
5. Misleading Arrows and Labels
Problem: arrows pointing unpredictably; labels placed too close or too far.
Solution: logical directional flow, consistent arrowhead design, clean label spacing.
6. Mixed Visual Styles
Problem: screenshots, icons, vector shapes, and photos combined.
Solution: a unified visual style for a professional appearance.
These are not minor issues — they make or break a figure’s clarity.
How Professionals Redesign Figures for Clarity
Redesigning a figure is not about creating decorations. It is about visual reasoning — restructuring information so that the viewer understands the science without effort.
Here’s how I approach figure redesign for manuscripts and reviews.
Step 1 — Understanding the Scientific Message
The first step is determining the single core idea of the figure. Every element must support this message.
Questions I ask researchers:
- What is the figure meant to explain?
- What are the critical components?
- Which parts confuse readers most?
- If the figure could only contain one thing — what should it be?
This establishes the foundation for the redesign.
Step 2 — Reorganizing the Layout
Most confusing figures suffer from poor spatial organization. To fix this:
- related elements are placed together
- the flow is reorganized into a logical sequence
- empty space is used purposefully
- multi-panel layouts are structured consistently
- unnecessary details are removed
A figure should “read” like a story: left → right, or top → bottom.
Step 3 — Standardizing Typography and Labels
A redesigned figure must use a consistent typographic system:
- same font family
- correct journal size (usually 6–9 pt)
- clear alignment
- uniform spacing
- readable labels
This instantly makes a figure appear more professional.
Step 4 — Rebuilding the Visual Language
All shapes, arrows, symbols, and icons are rebuilt from scratch to match:
- consistent line thickness
- consistent arrowheads
- clean curves
- unified icon style
- standardized borders and tones
This consistency is what distinguishes a polished figure from a rushed one.
Step 5 — Applying a Scientifically Meaningful Color Palette
Color should never be decorative in scientific figures.
Instead, it must:
- group similar elements
- highlight interactions
- differentiate states or conditions
- guide the viewer’s eye
I use disciplined palettes that prevent confusion and keep the message clear.
Step 6 — Final Rendering and JournalCompliance
Figures must meet:
- journal resolution (300–900 DPI)
- exact dimensions
- proper spacing
- file format requirements (TIFF, PNG, SVG)
This ensures the figure is accepted without technical corrections.
Before–After Example: What a Redesign Achieves
Here is what redesign typically accomplishes:
Before Redesign
- cramped layout
- unclear flow
- inconsistent fonts
- low contrast
- mixed styles
- unbalanced spacing
After Redesign
- logical sequence of panels
- clean iconography and arrow styles
- standardized typography
- clear grouping and color meaning
- strong focal point
- manuscript-ready layout
This transformation improves comprehension dramatically.
How Good Figures Influence Reviewers
Reviewers do not explicitly rate visuals, but good figures improve overall perception of the manuscript.
Strong figures:
- reduce cognitive load
- make the story flow more naturally
- reveal insights without reading paragraphs
- appear more professional and polished
Weak figures have the opposite effect — they slow down comprehension and can even lead reviewers to misjudge your results.
Why Commissioning a Redesign Saves Time
Many labs spend hours fixing figures in PowerPoint, Illustrator, or even Paint — often resulting in inconsistent visuals.
By working with a scientific illustrator, you gain:
- publication-ready graphics
- faster manuscript submission
- improved visual clarity
- a consistent visual identity across all figures
- less back-and-forth with reviewers
A professional redesign is a high-value investment that strengthens your entire paper.
Ready to Improve Your Scientific Figures?
If your figures feel crowded, inconsistent, or unclear, a redesign can immediately elevate the impact of your research. Clear visuals help readers understand your work faster — and help reviewers evaluate it more positively.