ASSIT

Research visualisation and visual desgin

A4 brochure design for the ASSIST case study

ASSIST visual data portal website homepage mockup

About the project

Project timeframe: JAN – MAR 2023
Role: Visual designer
Project deliverables: charts, diagrams, prints (posters and brochures), a responsive website for visual data sharing
Skills: Content planning, visual design, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Figma, Miro, and WordPress

The ASSIST (Attitudes to Shale gaS In Space and Time) project, led by researchers from the Universities of Exeter, Bath, Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt, Stirling, and Reading, investigates how public attitudes and community responses to shale gas evolve over time and differ across regions of the UK.

As a freelance designer, I collaborated with the team to translate complex research findings into clear and engaging visual outputs, including infographics, maps, and web design. The goal was to improve accessibility and enhance public understanding of the data.

Design process

Planning and Content Design

A significant part of the design process was dedicated to planning the structure and content of the visual materials. Since the research data was extensive and multifaceted, it required careful organisation before moving into visual design. I worked closely with the research team to define key messages, prioritise information, and map how different datasets could be visually represented in a coherent way.

User Research

The process began with reviewing the research goals and identifying how different audiences might engage with the outputs. I collected insights from the researchers to better understand their communication needs and the data stories they aimed to tell.

Ideation

Based on this foundation, I explored various layout structures and visual directions. The goal was to find the right balance between scientific accuracy, clarity, and visual appeal.

Prototyping

I developed wireframes to test different information hierarchies and colour systems. These drafts were shared with the research team for iterative feedback and refinement.

Testing

We conducted usability and design preference tests to evaluate which visual style best supported understanding and engagement. The results informed design adjustments that improved consistency and readability across all formats.

My Role

I was responsible for the overall UI design, data visualization structure, and integration of visual assets across both digital and print deliverables. This process helped ensure the final visuals effectively communicated complex findings to a wider audience.

Design Test

During the design process, I conducted multiple tests to assess the effectiveness of the proposed designs. Each test involved 10-14 adult participants from the UK, with a 50% male and 50% female split. The results from these tests helped determine which designs should be further developed.