The visual identity of science communication journals: a comparative study of periodical covers in Ibero-American publications indexed in Scopus

Abstract

This article aims to analyse the current trends of design regarding the covers of science communication journals in Ibero-America, focusing specifically on those indexed in Scopus. From a perspective that acknowledges the relevance of visual aspects in relation to editorial identity, the study examines the formal design decisions underlying the graphic presentation of these publications. To this end, a descriptive content analysis was conducted with a sample of 64 journals using a coding system comprised of variables related to identification, design, and content. The findings indicate a preference for functional and homogeneous visual models, characterised by symmetrical compositions, a predominance of sans serif typeface, and the moderate use of colour. Although images play a key role in more than half the covers, they tend to be institutional in nature, with a scarce amount of vivid experimentation. Similarly, there is limited typographic diversity and only slight variability from one issue to another, resulting in visual identities that are quite similar to each other. These trends highlight the need to strengthen editorial design as a strategic tool for improving the visibility, consistency, and graphic identity of science communication journals.