Biodiversity x Graphics Design: Concrete Benefits for People and Planet

For years, science has sent a clear message: the loss of biodiversity threatens the fundamental basis of our existence.  However, the complexities of the interrelationships are difficult to grasp. Innovative forms of communication are needed to illustrate scientific facts and reach people outside the scientific community. How can this be achieved without coming across as moralizing or condescending?

In a collaboration between scientists and a graphics class, we co-create two- and three-dimensional objects as representations of the concrete benefits of biodiversity. These representations communicate scientific facts from a matrix of four habitat types—forest, meadow, agricultural, urban—crossed with four biodiversity provisions—soils, elements and species, biomass, energy and climate. Each object uses different sizes, shapes, and colors of graphical elements to integrate scientific data into a composition that attracts the viewer and invites them to explore pattern and meaning. The inspiration for implementation derives from artistic representations of nature such as in expressionism, pointillism, or concrete and constructive art.

The initial aesthetic impression is followed by emotions that may be contradictory. This leads to deeper reflection, resulting in an appreciation of the value of biodiversity itself, as well as its value to us and to all life around us. Once a representation is understood, it becomes easier to detect relevant biodiversity-positive information in subsequent objects. A playful desire to decipher the other representations is awakened, and this active engagement has a lasting effect. Our aim is to raise the viewers’ awareness, responsibility, and action towards a biodiversity-positive future. One of the project’s strengths is its collaboration with young people from a graphic-design class. It gives the young generation a voice on one of the most pressing issues of our time. The project provides them with a practical environment that goes beyond the scope of traditional teaching.  It is planned that the objects described here are presented on site or nearby during the conference.