5 Effective Methods For Businesses To Simplify Complex Science For Non-Experts

Communicating complex scientific concepts to those without a background in the field is a critical challenge for businesses today. We’ve gathered expert insights from a digital marketing manager and a CEO, among others, to bring you five effective methods. From employing storytelling for complex concepts to explaining “cause and effect” scenarios, these professionals share their strategies for making science accessible to all.

1. Employ Storytelling For Complex Science Concepts

One effective method businesses can use to communicate complex scientific concepts to a non-expert audience is through storytelling. 

By weaving scientific information into a compelling narrative, companies can make complex concepts more relatable and easily understood. This approach helps engage consumers and investors as it humanizes the science and demonstrates its real-world applications and benefits.

Somen Sarkar, Digital Marketing Manager, Nicco Engineering Services Limited

2. Use Metaphors To Simplify Science

As someone who works in a complex field (genomics) with precise and relatively new terminology, I always find that metaphors can help non-experts navigate the intricate labyrinth of genetics and its numerous traits and functions. 

More recently, I’ve compared non-coding regions of DNA (ultra-conserved non-coding elements, or UCEs) to clunky, early-2000s computers that have never been updated. This is compared to parts of our DNA that get constant updates, like the iPhone 15. Metaphors such as these can help guide non-experts through one complex topic after another. 

Thus, your Achilles’ heel won’t be the archaicness of the information you’re trying to convey but a lack of creativity—which—might I add—is difficult for a scientist to lack.

Ryan Freeman, Technical Writer, CRI Genetics

3. Simplify Language With Relatable Examples

As a technical writer, I am fortunate to regularly tackle complex content aimed at experts. Nevertheless, when writing blogs targeting non-experts, I’ve encountered instances where readers struggled to grasp the concepts effectively. By employing specific strategies, I successfully alleviated these concerns and mitigated negative feedback. Communicating scientific concepts to non-experts requires a thoughtful approach. 

One common strategy is simplifying language and clarifying jargon or technical terms that may confuse the audience. However, I advocate for going beyond mere simplification. It’s crucial to weave relatable examples from everyday life into explanations, thereby bridging the gap between complex concepts and the audience’s understanding. 

By contextualizing abstract ideas within familiar scenarios, non-experts can more readily grasp the underlying principles. I strongly recommend inviting individuals from outside the field to review and provide input on communication materials, as they can offer valuable insights into areas requiring further clarification or adjustment.

Shrabantika Mondal, Technical Writer, PROVEN 360

4. Try Visuals To Aid Understanding

Businesses can explain complex scientific ideas to non-experts by using visual storytelling. By presenting information visually appealingly, such as infographics, illustrations, or videos, they can simplify complex concepts and make them more digestible. 

Visual storytelling breaks down complicated ideas into simple narratives that people can quickly grasp and remember. It helps engage the audience and makes the information more accessible.

Rubens Basso, Chief Technology Officer, FieldRoutes

5. Explain With “Cause And Effect” Scenarios

Math, science, and data analysis are just a few of the many technically charged topics that people often have difficulty explaining in layman’s terms. However, they can easily be translated into actual experiences using a “cause and effect” format. Instead of dwelling on jargon and formulas that might not make sense to your audience, focus on describing what a specific product, service, or function is capable of when applied to a particular scenario. 

For example, I won’t dwell on Carepatron’s tech know-how—like how the app compiles data, uses automation to streamline analytics, etc.—but rather explain it as healthcare management software meant to aid practitioners in making their workflows easier.

Jamie Frew, CEO, Carepatron