Moving Science Forward — Literally

I’ve always believed that the best science stories don’t just inform — they move us. And in many cases, that’s quite literal.

Whether I’m designing a figure for a new assay or animating a step-by-step protocol, I see motion as a bridge that turns complexity into clarity. When used well, that bridge transforms scientific communication from dense and static into something dynamic, visual and memorable.

And it’s not just me — a graphic designer — saying this. Scholars like Daniel Liddle describe motion as a form of visual rhetoric: a way to persuade, clarify and build trust through movement. Motion isn’t just decoration — it’s meaning made visible.

In this post, I’ll explore why motion matters in scientific communication and how animation makes complex ideas easier to grasp. From turning a protocol into a story that sticks to making technical jargon something you can remember, motion design helps science feel more approachable and a lot more memorable.

Many Scientists Learn Visually

Let’s be honest — even the most experienced scientists don’t want to read a four-page protocol if they can watch someone complete the steps in under two minutes.

“Scientists turn to YouTube for quick, visual answers — just like anyone learning a new skill.”
— Sara Millevolte, Multimedia Marketing Specialist

“How-to” and “what-is” videos attract scientists looking for fast, visual explanations. These short, practical pieces help researchers learn techniques efficiently without feeling overwhelmed.

Liddle’s work reinforces this shift toward visual learning, describing how motion design supports accessibility and helps audiences navigate complex or technical material with greater clarity. When motion becomes intentional, it doesn’t just illustrate knowledge — it improves comprehension.¹

When Motion Removes Ambiguity

As a designer, I spend a lot of time thinking about what I call the invisible hinge — that moment when an animation makes something click. That’s the magic of motion.

Scientific communication thrives on precision. When everyone’s on the same page, ideas get across clearly and experiments can be replicated without confusion. But in protocols, subtle details — like how to angle a pipette tip to eliminate bubbles or time an incubation for optimal results.

Motion lets us show what can’t easily be written. It eliminates guesswork, builds confidence and helps learners retain information longer.

Liddle refers to this as the choreography of information — how motion organizes, emphasizes and guides a viewer’s attention. When done well, it reduces noise and enhances clarity — something every scientist can appreciate.

From Designer to Storytelling Ally

I’m often asked, “Isn’t animation just a way to make things prettier?” And while I care deeply about aesthetics, the real value of motion is what it unlocks.

When we embrace motion in storytelling, we shift from being content creators to communication partners. We stop decorating ideas and start solving problems. We become part of the discovery process — not just a wrapper for it.

This is where motion becomes more than media — it becomes methodology. It’s a strategic tool. When designers collaborate with scientists early on, we can choreograph information, clarify intent and create visuals that move the science forward.

The Final Frame

Motion design in scientific communication isn’t just a trend. It’s a tool — one that helps us visualize the invisible, explain the complex and engage the minds behind the research.

As both a designer and a science communicator, I believe motion invites us to tell better stories — the kind that stick, the kind that spark the kind that move.

Contributor Acknowledgment

Special thanks to our in-house multimedia team — Sara Millevolte, Wesley Bishop, Aaron Wardell, and AnnaKay Kruger — whose creativity and insight continue to shape how we bring science to life through motion.

Reference

Liddle, Daniel Joseph. Beyond Animation: Toward A Rhetoric of Motion Design for Technical and Professional Writing. PhD diss., Purdue University, 2018. Open Access Dissertations. 1996. https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/open_access_dissertations/1996

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Taylor McAda

Taylor McAda is a Senior Graphic Designer and Muralist with over 12 years of experience bringing ideas to life through impactful visuals. Her passion lies in sharing insights on design principles and visual communication to help others enhance their creative projects. In addition to her professional work, she created and painted a 20-foot flamingo mural on State Street in downtown Madison, WI, in 2024—a project that highlights her love for bold, creative expression. Follow along for design tips, inspiration, and stories from the field!

Latest posts by Taylor McAda (see all)

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