Predator Detection in the Common Squid
based on specimen dissection at Maastricht University Medical Center+
Project: An educational poster exploring how the common squid detects predators through both visual and mechanosensory systems. The project combines anatomical detail, comparative anatomy, and explanatory diagrams to communicate sensory biology.
Communication need:
The sensory systems of cephalopods are complex and not widely understood, particularly the lateral line analogue used for detecting movement in low-visibility environments. This project aimed to communicate how multiple sensory mechanisms work together to support predator detection and compare human and squid visual systems.
Audience:
The primary audience includes students, educators, and individuals interested in biology and marine science. The content was designed to support learning and scientific understanding while remaining accessible to non-expert audiences.
Visual Solution:
I developed a comprehensive educational poster combining anatomical illustration with explanatory diagrams of the squid’s visual system and lateral line analogue. The design integrates labeled structures, simplified schematics, and gross and cellular anatomy to communicate multiple sensory processes within a single, cohesive composition.
Outcome:
The final illustration functions as an educational resource that communicates complex sensory biology through an integrated visual narrative. It demonstrates the ability to combine anatomical accuracy, scientific research, and information design to support learning and scientific communication.