How to Abstractly Depict People in Research Videos: Complete Guide for Scientists

Creating research videos and animations often requires depicting people, but realistic human representations can raise privacy concerns, distract from scientific content, or require significant artistic skill. Abstract human depictions offer an elegant solution, allowing you to communicate effectively while maintaining focus on your research message.

Why Use Abstract Human Representations?

Abstract depictions of people in scientific videos serve multiple important purposes beyond simple illustration:

Privacy Protection

When presenting case studies, patient data, or participant information, abstract representations protect individual identities while conveying necessary information about human subjects.

Universal Accessibility

Stylized figures transcend cultural, ethnic, and demographic specifics, making your research communication more inclusive and universally relatable.

Focus on Concepts

Abstract representations prevent viewers from focusing on irrelevant details like appearance, clothing, or facial features, directing attention to the scientific concepts you're explaining.

Production Efficiency

Creating abstract human figures requires less time and artistic skill than realistic illustrations or video footage, making video production more accessible to researchers.

Professional Consistency

Stylized figures maintain visual consistency throughout your video, creating a cohesive professional appearance that reinforces your research brand.

Types of Abstract Human Representations

Different abstraction levels suit different research communication needs:

Stick Figures

The simplest form of human representation uses basic lines for limbs and circles for heads. Stick figures work well for:

• Process diagrams showing movement or interaction
• Quick sketches and whiteboard-style animations
• Informal educational content
• Situations where extreme simplification is appropriate

Advantages: Universally understood, quick to create, minimal distraction

Limitations: Limited expressiveness, may appear too casual for formal presentations

Geometric Shapes

Representing humans with circles, rectangles, and triangles creates clean, modern aesthetics. This approach includes:

• Circle heads with rectangular bodies
• Triangle-based body shapes
• Cylindrical limbs and torsos
• Abstract geometric assemblages

Advantages: Professional appearance, easy to animate, scalable

Limitations: Less intuitive than stick figures, requires more design consideration

Silhouettes

Solid filled shapes showing human outlines provide recognizable forms without details. Silhouettes are effective for:

• Demographic representations
• Activity illustrations
• Comparative size relationships
• Professional presentations

Advantages: Clear recognition, elegant simplicity, strong visual impact

Limitations: Limited ability to show facial expressions or fine details

Simplified Anatomical Forms

Stylized but anatomically suggestive shapes balance abstraction with recognizability. These include:

• Rounded, simplified body proportions
• Minimal facial features (dots for eyes, line for mouth)
• Suggested clothing or accessories
• Cartoon-like but not fully realistic

Advantages: Expressive, relatable, suitable for diverse contexts

Limitations: Requires more artistic skill, potential for unintended characterization

Icon-Based Representations

Using standardized human icons from design libraries provides consistency and professionalism. Common in:

• Infographics and data visualizations
• User interface demonstrations
• Statistical representations
• Standardized research communications

Advantages: Professional, consistent, widely available

Limitations: Less unique, may lack personality for storytelling

Design Principles for Abstract Human Figures

Creating effective abstract human representations requires attention to key design principles:

Abstract representations in medical contexts maintain clarity while respecting privacy and focusing on key concepts

Proportion and Scale

Maintain believable proportions even in abstraction:

• Head typically 1/7 to 1/8 of total height for adults
• Children have larger head-to-body ratios (1/4 to 1/6)
• Limb lengths should appear balanced
• Consider using golden ratio for pleasing proportions

Posture and Gesture

Communicate meaning through body language:

• Standing upright suggests confidence or attention
• Leaning forward indicates engagement or movement
• Raised arms can show excitement or emphasis
• Crossed arms suggest defensiveness or contemplation
• Seated positions indicate rest or work activities

Movement and Animation

Bring figures to life through motion:

• Use anticipation before major movements
• Follow through after actions
• Add secondary motion (hair, clothing) for realism
• Maintain consistent movement speed and style
• Consider easing functions for natural motion

Color and Contrast

Use color strategically:

• Neutral colors (gray, blue) for general representations
• Bright colors to highlight specific individuals or groups
• Consistent color coding for different roles or categories
• Sufficient contrast against backgrounds
• Consider colorblind-safe palettes

Consistency

Maintain visual coherence:

• Use the same style throughout your video
• Keep proportions consistent across all figures
• Apply uniform line weights and colors
• Match abstraction level to your content's formality
• Create style guides for multi-video projects

Techniques for Different Research Contexts

Different research scenarios call for different approaches to human representation:

Medical and Health Research

When depicting patients, healthcare providers, or medical procedures:

• Use neutral, respectful representations
• Avoid stereotypical associations with illness
• Clearly distinguish between different roles (patient, doctor, nurse)
• Consider using color coding for different health states
• Maintain dignity in all depictions

Example approach: Simple silhouettes with minimal medical accessories (stethoscope, clipboard) to indicate roles, using color to show health status changes over time.

Social Science Research

For studies involving human behavior, interactions, or demographics:

• Show diverse body types and sizes
• Use positioning to indicate relationships
• Employ groupings to show social structures
• Consider using speech bubbles or thought clouds
• Represent emotions through posture rather than facial details

Example approach: Rounded geometric figures in various sizes and colors, positioned to show social dynamics, with simple gestures indicating interactions.

Educational Content

When teaching concepts or procedures:

• Prioritize clarity over artistic sophistication
• Use consistent characters throughout lessons
• Add simple accessories to indicate context
• Consider using different colors for different learners
• Make figures relatable but not distracting

Example approach: Friendly simplified anatomical forms with minimal facial features, using consistent colors and simple props to show different learning scenarios.

Experimental Procedures

For demonstrating research methods or protocols:

• Focus on actions rather than appearance
• Use arrows and lines to show movement
• Number figures to indicate sequence
• Show spatial relationships clearly
• Minimize unnecessary details

Example approach: Clean silhouettes or geometric shapes with clear action indicators, positioned to show experimental setup and procedures.

Data Visualization

When representing statistical information about populations:

• Use standardized icon-based figures
• Maintain consistent size for accurate comparison
• Consider using partial figures for fractional data
• Arrange figures to show patterns or distributions
• Ensure accessibility for colorblind viewers

Example approach: Uniform icon-based human figures arranged in grids or patterns, with color or style variations indicating different categories or values.

Tools and Software for Creating Abstract Human Figures

Various tools support different skill levels and production needs:

Professional tools help create clear, scientifically accurate representations for research communication

Beginner-Friendly Options

Start with these accessible tools:

• PowerPoint/Keynote: Built-in shapes and icons for simple figures
• Google Slides: Free, collaborative, with basic drawing tools
• Canva: Templates with pre-made human figures and icons
• Noun Project: Extensive library of human icon designs
• Flaticon: Free and premium human figure icons

Animation Software

For moving figures:

• Vyond: Character animation specifically for business and education
• Powtoon: Animated presentation tool with character libraries
• Animaker: Drag-and-drop animation with human characters
• Doodly: Whiteboard animation with stick figure options
• VideoScribe: Hand-drawn animation style

Professional Design Tools

For advanced control:

• Adobe Illustrator: Vector-based design for scalable figures
• Adobe After Effects: Professional animation and motion graphics
• Blender: 3D modeling and animation (free and open-source)
• Procreate: Digital illustration for iPad
• Affinity Designer: Affordable vector design alternative

Specialized Scientific Tools

Purpose-built for research:

• BioRender: Includes stylized human figures for biological contexts
• ConceptViz tools: AI-powered scientific diagram generation
• Explain Everything: Interactive whiteboard with drawing tools
• Prezi Video: Presentation tool with human figure options

Code-Based Solutions

For programmatic generation:

• Python with Matplotlib: Create simple stick figures programmatically
• Processing: Creative coding for custom animations
• D3.js: Web-based data visualization with custom figures
• R with ggplot2: Statistical graphics with human icons

Step-by-Step: Creating Abstract Human Figures

Follow this process to develop effective abstract human representations:

Step 1: Define Your Purpose

Clarify why you need human figures:

• What role do they play in your narrative?
• What actions or states must they convey?
• Who is your target audience?
• What level of formality is appropriate?

Step 2: Choose Your Abstraction Level

Select the appropriate style:

• Consider your audience's expectations
• Match formality to your research context
• Balance simplicity with expressiveness
• Ensure consistency with other visual elements

Step 3: Sketch Basic Forms

Start with rough sketches:

• Draw basic shapes for head, torso, limbs
• Experiment with proportions
• Try different poses and gestures
• Test multiple abstraction levels

Step 4: Refine Your Design

Develop your chosen approach:

• Clean up lines and shapes
• Establish consistent proportions
• Add minimal details as needed
• Test readability at different sizes

Step 5: Create Variations

Develop a figure library:

• Different poses and actions
• Various viewing angles
• Multiple emotional states
• Diverse body types if appropriate

Step 6: Test and Iterate

Validate your designs:

• Show figures to colleagues unfamiliar with your work
• Verify that intended meanings are clear
• Check accessibility (color contrast, size)
• Refine based on feedback

Step 7: Document Your Style

Create guidelines for consistency:

• Record proportions and measurements
• Document color schemes
• Note animation principles
• Save templates for future use

Animation Techniques for Abstract Figures

Bringing your figures to life requires understanding basic animation principles:

Keyframe Animation

Define start and end positions, letting software interpolate between:

• Set key poses at important moments
• Adjust timing between keyframes
• Use easing functions for natural movement
• Preview and refine motion paths

Rigging and Bones

Create skeletal structures for complex movements:

• Define joint locations (shoulders, elbows, hips, knees)
• Set rotation limits for realistic motion
• Create inverse kinematics for natural limb movement
• Save rigs for reuse across scenes

Motion Paths

Guide figures along defined trajectories:

• Draw paths for figures to follow
• Adjust speed along the path
• Add rotation to match movement direction
• Combine with other animations for complexity

Morphing and Transformation

Smoothly transition between different states:

• Change figure shapes to show transformation
• Morph between poses for fluid motion
• Use for emphasis or dramatic effect
• Maintain recognizability throughout transition

Particle Effects

Add visual interest to figure movements:

• Trailing effects for rapid motion
• Emphasis particles for important actions
• Environmental interactions (dust, water)
• Use sparingly to avoid distraction

Accessibility Considerations

Ensure your abstract human representations are inclusive:

Visual Accessibility

Make figures visible to all viewers:

• Use sufficient color contrast (minimum 4.5:1 ratio)
• Don't rely solely on color to convey information
• Ensure figures are large enough to see clearly
• Test with colorblind simulation tools
• Provide text descriptions in video captions

Cultural Sensitivity

Avoid unintended cultural implications:

• Research cultural meanings of gestures and poses
• Avoid stereotypical representations
• Use neutral, inclusive designs
• Consider consulting diverse reviewers
• Be mindful of clothing and accessory choices

Cognitive Accessibility

Support diverse learning needs:

• Keep designs simple and uncluttered
• Use consistent visual language
• Provide clear context for figure actions
• Avoid rapid or complex animations
• Include pauses for information processing

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Steer clear of these frequent pitfalls:

Over-Complication

Adding unnecessary details defeats the purpose of abstraction. Keep figures as simple as possible while maintaining clarity.

Inconsistent Style

Mixing different abstraction levels or styles within one video creates visual confusion and appears unprofessional.

Inappropriate Abstraction

Using overly casual stick figures in formal research presentations or overly complex figures in simple explanations.

Neglecting Motion Principles

Ignoring basic animation principles results in unnatural, distracting movement that undermines your message.

Cultural Insensitivity

Using gestures, poses, or representations that may be offensive or inappropriate in some cultural contexts.

Poor Contrast

Creating figures that blend into backgrounds or are difficult to distinguish from other elements.

Stereotyping

Unintentionally reinforcing stereotypes through body types, colors, or accessories associated with specific groups.

Case Studies: Effective Abstract Human Depictions

Learn from successful examples across research fields:

Example 1: Public Health Campaign

A vaccination awareness video used simple geometric figures (circles for heads, rectangles for bodies) in bright, friendly colors. Different colors represented different age groups, and simple animations showed the vaccination process. The abstract approach made the content accessible across cultures while maintaining professional credibility.

Key success factors: Clear color coding, simple animations, universal appeal

Example 2: Psychology Research Video

A study on social interactions used rounded, simplified human forms with minimal facial features (dots for eyes, curved lines for mouths). Positioning and body language conveyed emotional states and relationships. The abstraction allowed viewers to focus on behavioral patterns rather than individual characteristics.

Key success factors: Expressive postures, clear spatial relationships, emotional clarity

Example 3: Medical Procedure Explanation

An educational video about surgical procedures used clean silhouettes for patients and medical staff, with simple accessories (surgical caps, masks) indicating roles. Color coding distinguished between different stages of the procedure. The abstract approach maintained dignity while clearly communicating complex information.

Key success factors: Respectful representation, clear role differentiation, procedural clarity

Example 4: Data Visualization Animation

A demographic study used standardized icon-based human figures arranged in dynamic patterns to show population changes over time. Consistent sizing and spacing allowed accurate visual comparison, while color variations indicated different demographic categories.

Key success factors: Standardization, accurate proportions, clear categorization

Integrating Figures with Other Visual Elements

Abstract human figures work best when integrated thoughtfully with other design elements:

Background Design

Create appropriate contexts:

• Use simple, non-distracting backgrounds
• Ensure sufficient contrast between figures and backgrounds
• Add minimal environmental elements for context
• Consider using gradients or subtle textures
• Maintain visual hierarchy with figures as focal points

Text and Labels

Combine figures with textual information:

• Position text to complement rather than obscure figures
• Use arrows or lines to connect labels to figures
• Maintain consistent text styling
• Ensure readability at all sizes
• Consider using callouts for detailed information

Data Visualizations

Integrate figures with charts and graphs:

• Use figures to represent data points or categories
• Maintain consistent scale between figures and data
• Position figures to enhance rather than obscure data
• Consider using partial figures for fractional values
• Ensure figures don't distract from data patterns

Scientific Diagrams

Combine abstract humans with technical illustrations:

• Match abstraction levels across all elements
• Use figures to show scale or interaction
• Position figures to indicate perspective or viewpoint
• Maintain scientific accuracy in all representations
• Consider using scientific diagram tools for integrated visuals

Best Practices for Research Video Production

Apply these principles when creating research videos with abstract human figures:

Planning Phase

• Storyboard your entire video before creating figures
• Identify all scenes requiring human representation
• Determine consistent style and abstraction level
• Plan for reusable figure templates
• Consider accessibility from the start

Production Phase

• Create figure templates for efficiency
• Maintain consistent proportions and styling
• Test animations at intended playback speed
• Render at appropriate resolution
• Save source files for future edits

Review Phase

• Get feedback from diverse viewers
• Check for unintended interpretations
• Verify accessibility compliance
• Test on different devices and screen sizes
• Refine based on feedback

Distribution Phase

• Include captions describing figure actions
• Provide alternative text descriptions
• Consider multiple format versions
• Share on appropriate platforms
• Monitor viewer engagement and feedback

Conclusion

Abstract human depictions in research videos offer powerful advantages: they protect privacy, maintain focus on scientific content, ensure cultural inclusivity, and streamline production. By choosing appropriate abstraction levels, following design principles, and applying animation techniques thoughtfully, you can create engaging research videos that communicate effectively with diverse audiences.

Remember that the goal is clarity and communication, not artistic perfection. Start simple, maintain consistency, and refine your approach based on feedback and experience. Your research deserves to be understood and appreciated—well-designed abstract human figures help ensure your video content reaches and resonates with viewers.

Ready to create engaging research videos? Explore our science animation tools to bring your research to life with professional abstract human representations that enhance understanding and extend your research impact.

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