This neuroanatomy plate was created in collaboration with Dr. Haris Sair, Director of Neuroradiology and Associate Professor of Radiology and Radiological Science. While other media shows functional MRI networks separately, there were not any illustrations or image representations showing each functional MRI network placed all together on the brain to show their relationships to one another. This plate also explains how waveforms from different area of the brain are interpreted as networks; waveforms between two different networks will be dissimilar while waveforms within networks correlate more directly. The bottom right inset included information about how graph analysis shows connections within and between networks. Larger connections are made within networks while weaker connections are made between networks.
Developing the Idea
I used provided literature as well as Dr. Sair's current teaching materials to put together thumbnails. It was important to show both a lateral and a midsagittal cut of the brain so all networks could be visible. The left lateral side of the brain was chosen to better visualize the language network.
Accessible Color Coding
With 8 resting state functional MRI networks requiring different colors, it can be challenging to create a harmonious color palette that can also be easy to understand for low vision or color blind viewers. It's important to use high contrast ratio when delivering information, like in text and leader lines. Throughout this project, I proofed colors by changing to black and white and testing protanopia and deuteranopia color blindness.