CosmoCaixa

Research-backed infographics to explain the wonders of science

We created illustrations, instructions, and infographics for over 150 interactive exhibits in the permanent room at the Barcelona Science Museum, one of the most state-of-the-art science museums in the world. Covering 3,500m² and attracting 1,000,000 visitors annually, the museum uses our visuals to simplify scientific concepts, making them more accessible, engaging, and fun for visitors.

A group of different illustrations that represent scientific concepts for a Science Museum
A panel from the Science Museum in Barcelona, showcasing the design and illustration that explain a complex scientific subject
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A big panel inside a Science Museum that showcases different quantum concepts by using illustrations and infographics
A detailed view of three illustrations representing quantum physics concepts
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Four layouts of museum panels with text explanation and illustrations to explain nature concepts related to sea species
Three design layouts of museum panels showcasing typography and infographics about different natural phenomena
A big panel inside the CosmoCaixa in Barcelona showcasing an infographic about the timeline of extinct species
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The Univers room houses the permanent exhibition, where the infographics are displayed

We reviewed blueprints and visited the museum several times to understand the modules where the infographics would be displayed. The diverse experiences, including videos, interactives, real objects, and life-size models include its own explanations and accompanying graphics. We used various techniques depending on the goal: some graphics clarify scientific concepts, others highlight animal features, some explain abstract ideas, and others provide instructions for interacting with the exhibits.

The exterior part of the bulding of CosmoCaixa, the Science Museum in Barcelona
A blueprint of the main room at the Science Museum in Barcelona, showcasing the different parts and the journey that visitors go through
A big sign that reads "Univers" with illuminated letters is the welcome area of the Barcelona Science Museum CosmoCaixa
The immersive experience of visualizing cosmos through a tunnel-shaped screen at the Science Museum
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A consistent visual language that ties all the infographics together

Every illustration began with a research phase, whether it was quantum physics or fish species. We then worked closely with experts to ensure the information was accurate.

For example, the infographic on monkey evolution aimed to show the difference between species with only a few strokes. We studied and documented their specific attributes: some have very long arms, others are hairier, some are small, some have distinctive postures, some have a playful attitude and other are more serious.

This research allowed us to simplify the illustrations while still emphasizing the key traits that set each species apart.

Color palette and different stroke types are the base of a design system for the illustrations at the Barcelona Science Museum
Three infographics that illustrate scientific concepts using blue, red and green as accent color
The hands of a designer holding a paper with sketches and the final result of an infographic showcasing how visual systems work
A panel with text and illustrations at CosmoCaixa
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Apes, gorillas, lemurs and orangutans: Illustrations backed by research

Before designing each piece, we thoroughly researched the subject. For example, the infographic on monkey evolution aimed to show species differences with only a few strokes. We studied and documented their specific attributes: some have very long arms, others are hairier, some are small, some have distinctive postures, and others vary in demeanor from playful to serious. This research enabled us to simplify the illustrations while highlighting key traits that distinguish each monkey species. Each illustration involved a research phase, covering topics from quantum physics to fish species. We then collaborated with scientific specialists to ensure accuracy.

A designer working with a computer. She is researching different types of monkeys for a design project
Sketches of monkeys that have different physical attributes
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A big backlit panel showcasing a diagram of primates classification
Detail of a graphical diagram about primate classification
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Eight illustrations of primates, drawn in a simplified style, using only a few strokes
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Tailored graphics for diverse museum displays

We designed illustrations and infographics for two types of displays, each with specific requirements. For the smaller displays, we created compact illustrations that conveyed information in a limited space. The museum's microarchitecture featured large, backlit steel structures that created an immersive experience. Here, the challenge was to precisely design the graphics to be cut from the steel, allowing light to pass through.

A big backlit panel with an infographic about the gyroscope inside the Barcelona Science Museum
A composition with three layouts showcasing designs about scientific concepts
A small girl playing with an interactive module in a science museum. There is a panel next to her showcasing how the module works, including a text explanation and an infographic
A collection of layouts showcasing the information on the small panels of CosmoCaixa, the Science Museum. Various illustrations have been used to explain abstract and complex scientific concepts
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A universe of science

The science museum in Barcelona is the ideal space for curious minds. By creating the illustrations and infographics for its permanent room, we were able to explain difficult science concepts and help make the museum a more engaging place.

A big backlit panel inside the Barcelona Science Museum, showcasing an infographic about a meteor impacting the Earth
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A big backlit panel inside the Barcelona Science Museum, showcasing a diagram of the eating patterns and relationships between different species
A woman in front of an interactive module about the cosmos in a Science Museum
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The main room at CosmoCaixa in Barcelona showcasing a backlit panel with an infographic of the timeline of extinct species
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