CosmoCaixa, Barcelona Science Museum

Discovering the wonders of science

Illustrations and infographics to transform complex science concepts into visuals.

We created illustrations, instructions, and infographics for the +150 interactive experiences in the permanent room at the museum, which is made up of 3500m2.

By transforming scientific concepts into visuals, we helped explain complex subjects and make them more accessible for the visitors.

Services and deliverables
Illustration
Infographics
Science design
Research

About CosmoCaixa

A home for the curious

CosmoCaixa is known as one of the best and most state-of-the-art science museums in Europe. It features a variety of exhibitions, permanent and temporary, that showcase nature, science, and space.

1.000.000

visitors a year on average

30.000m2

total space

+150

interactive learning experiences

Translating science into visuals

Your brain <3 images

Reducing the threshold to learning is at the heart of this project.

Our brain is visual. By using images, we were able to enhance the human ability to understand complex subjects.

Quantum Physics illustration

We created a set of more than 100 infographics and illustrations to be used in different areas of the museum.

Getting to know the permanent room

A universe of science

Before we started, we revised blueprints, photos and made several visits to the museum to study in detail the different areas of Univers, its permanent room, where all the infographics will live.

The place is divided into 3 main areas and its unique configuration takes guests on a journey that sparks curiosity through science learning experiences, videos, interactives, real objects, and life-size models.

Blueprint - Science museum permanent room

Visitor’s journey

Welcome area

Kósmos
The area dedicated to the creation of the universe.

Evolució
The area that goes through the evolution of life from its origins.

Fronteres
The area focused on the complexity of our brains and science innovations.

↑ The Welcome area greets visitors with a big sign with the name of the room: Univers.

Consistency at the core

Designing a clear, cohesive system

Visual consistency is a crucial feature that tells guests they are visiting a well-thought space where all the elements belong together.

We created a system to be used on all the illustrations and infographics, based on a set of colors, stroke lines, and shapes.

Kósmos
The key information at Kósmos illustrations is highlighted in red.

Evolució
The key information at Evolució illustrations is highlighted in green.

 

Fronteres illustration

Fronteres
The key information at Fronteres illustrations is highlighted in blue.

↑ Illustrated sign at Kósmos area (red highlights).

Illustrations backed by research

Apes, gorillas, lemurs and orangutans

Prior to designing a piece, we researched each and every subject.

This infographic on the evolution of the monkeys is an example. The challenge consisted of displaying the differences between species despite being drawn with as few strokes as possible.

We conducted a study and documented their specific attributes: some have very long arms, some are hairier; others are small, some adopt a characteristic body posture; others have a playful attitude and others are more serious.

The research allowed us to simplify the illustrations, emphasizing those traits that made the monkeys different from each other.

Illustration of a Lemur

Lemur

 

Illustration of an Orangutan

Orangutan

 

Illustration of a New World Monkey

New World Monkey

 

Illustration of a Gorilla

Gorilla

Illustration of a Old World Monkey

Old World Monkey

 

Illustration of a Chimpanzee

Cimpanzee

 

Illustration of a Gibbon

Old World Monkey

 

Illustration of a woman

Human

There was a phase of research for each illustration, covering different subjects that range from quantum physics to fish species. Later on, we collaborated with scientific specialists to refine the illustrations to be perfectly accurate.

Types of illustrations

Big and small

We designed illustrations and infographics for two types of supports, and each of them had its own requirements.

The smaller displays had limited space to include graphics, so we designed smaller, simpler illustrations that could be understood with just a few lines.

The museum’s microarchitecture consisted of big, stunning backlit steel structures that created a sense of immersion. The challenge, in this case, was to precisely plan the illustrations to be cut from the steel and let the light pass through.

The science museum in Barcelona is the ideal space for curious minds. By creating +100 illustrations and infographics, we were able to explain difficult science concepts and to help make the museum a more engaging place.

I’m always open to new challenges. If you want to start a project or have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me.

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Resources & inspiration

BY-NC-SA, Gemma Busquets 2024.