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Visual Storytelling Through a Human-Centered Design Approach

—By Feabie Medina

As part of its commitment to the UN Global Compact, Narratives developed a sustainability report highlighting initiatives aligned with the Ten Principles and the Sustainable Development Goals. Our Expression & Connection team shaped the report’s graphics around the shared workspace at Narratives, grounded in trust, transparency, and connection. By blending infographics, storytelling, and quantitative data, the visuals present complex information in an engaging, human-centered way.

A collage of environmental textures and Narratives staff

Visual Storytelling as a Tool for Understanding

Research helps the world understand complex issues and make informed decisions. However, not everyone speaks the language of research and data. Tables, spreadsheets, and long lists of facts can cause research findings to feel distant or disconnected from real life.

When research is combined with visual storytelling and designed with people in mind, it provides readers with a clearer pathway into complex information. Compelling visuals can transform research data into stories that are more accessible, more memorable, and more human-connected.

Why apply visual storytelling in research?

  • 1

    Perspective & Connection: Visual storytelling builds interest and approachability, helping audiences better understand research findings and feel their significance.

  • 2

    Accessibility & Inclusion: Engaging visuals translate complex data beyond written text, culture, and even spoken language, making ideas more widely accessible.

  • 3

    Retention & Action: A human-centered approach to data storytelling can encourage empathy, create a lasting impact, and help ensure information is not only received, but internalized and acted upon.

A collage of environmental textures and Narratives staff

The Human-Centered Approach

Human-centered design focuses on understanding the needs and experiences of the people we’re designing for. When applied to research, this approach helps support designing outputs that keep the reader in mind. This process encourages designers to:

  • Focus on a clear structure with a logical flow of information
  • Consider different levels of familiarity with the research topic
  • Create visuals that support, but do not oversimplify, the data
  • Design with accessibility as a foundation

Rather than expecting people to adapt to the technical language of research, human-centered design allows research to adapt to the people.

A collage showing diversity in the Narratives staff

Designing Research for Impact

At Narratives, we ensure research communication reflects both quantitative evidence and lived experience. This approach is demonstrated in the UN Global Compact report through the pairing of data visualizations with workplace quotes from team members, as well as collaged visual elements that represent collaboration across departments. The established report layout guides the reader through the research findings with a clear and organized structure.

Visuals and storytelling help research travel further and contribute to positive change by compelling action. Ultimately, when people can see themselves reflected in the research, they are more likely to engage with the material in a meaningful way.

By sharing research through outputs that are clear and approachable, we create opportunities for more engaged audiences, more informed decision-making, and drive meaningful action. As we move forward, visual storytelling in research offers a powerful way to translate research into impact and figures into innovation.

Feabie Medina, Graphic Designer