Ten simple rules for designing graphical abstracts
Helena Jambor, Martin Bornhäuser
Abstract
Explanatory graphics that summarize knowledge are common in science communication. These graphics integrate new insights with the existing body of knowledge in a particular field of research. Explanatory graphics have been widely used in chemistry for many years to depict structures [1], and they have now gained popularity across various scientific disciplines as graphical abstracts Scientific journals are increasingly asking authors to provide graphical abstracts along with a paper to attract audiences online and on social media. These graphical abstracts are prominently displayed on the journals websites, embellishing the table of contents, and serving as a visual pendant to the written abstract. Due to this usage, graphical abstracts are also referred to as "TOC" image or "thumbnail views."