Complex concepts can be tricky to explain. There are threads and layers and intersections. I typically work with researchers to describe complex concepts in the form of a research proposal for external funding. Text descriptions of complex concepts must take the time to build a mental model layer by layer and connection by connection. It can take a lot of space to tell this story and get it right. In proposals, that space comes at a premium. Using a visual to show a complex concept can be a space-saver, but more importantly, can more effectively communicate how the components of the proposed work fit together. Additionally, they serve as a shortcut for readers to understand what the most important arguments are in the proposal. I’ll walk attendees through ideal timelines and how I like to work with researchers to build effective conceptual figures. I’ll showcase three example visual approaches with notes on the iteration process.