Visual Methodologies
About the research group
The Visual Methodologies Collective develops visual methods for practice-based research on social issues and debates. The research group studies, among other things, the role of images in digital culture. One example is research into the visual culture surrounding climate change. The research group focuses on the role of images in digital culture and produces visual materials that serve as research tools. The research is conducted in interdisciplinary (and often international) teams of researchers, designers, developers, journalists, and thematic experts.
Climate Change on Social Media
Visual Methodologies examines the role of images in digital culture. What images are shared on social media around key societal issues? How do these images differ from one another? And how can we use visualizations—both online and on location—to engage different audiences in public debates? For the research group, visualizations are not merely the final visual product of a project; they are a crucial step in the research process. They provide insights into the complexity of an issue, facilitate discussions with specific audiences, or inform decision-making.
One of the key societal themes the research group explores is climate change—an urgent topic discussed not only in public debates but also in political, scientific, and activist circles.
Polar Bears in Search Results
In one of our research projects, we analyzed which images related to climate change are shared online and, in particular, which ones generate the most engagement—such as being most shared or liked. We then compared how visual language differs across various online platforms.
The differences are striking. On Facebook, people share climate-related slogans in colorful typography, often paired with images of celebrities or cute animals. On Instagram, we see stunning National Geographic-style photography of landscapes threatened by climate change. Meanwhile, Google search results are filled with clichés, such as polar bears in distress.
Through this type of analysis, we not only examine the current visual language of climate change but also gain insights into the functioning of online platforms. In digital visual research, studying the subject goes hand in hand with studying the medium itself. This kind of research can be valuable for professionals working on societal issues, helping them develop more effective campaigns.
For more information about the research group, visit visualmethodologies.org.