Science Icons: The Visualization of Scientific Truths

Scientific images satisfy our desire to see and understand complex phenomena. These idealized, attractive artificial objects can stand in for information; however, the creators of these images must balance persuasion with accuracy. Some have considered this balancing act a design problem consequent to the scientific process, yet scientists continue to communicate visually to their peers and the public and to incorporate mental models into their work. The author argues that the nature and limitations of visualization are more than a matter of design. Producers and consumers of visualization must also address the interpretive and communicative power of scientific images in society.