A strong proposal has to communicate complex ideas quickly—and sometimes a well-designed visual can do what another page of text cannot. This session explores how simple, purposeful graphics can strengthen a proposal, break up dense narrative and help reviewers understand relationships, processes, timelines, outcomes and impact.

Participants will learn when a graphic adds value (and when it doesn’t), explore common proposal visuals such as process diagrams, timelines, conceptual models, logic models, organizational structures and data visualizations, and review accessible tools for creating professional-looking graphics without being a graphic designer. We’ll also discuss practical design principles, common mistakes, sponsor considerations, accessibility and resources available at Mississippi State University.

No design experience required—just bring your research idea and a willingness to think visually.