In the study of visual narratives, it is crucial to analyze not just the content but also the form, context, and the broader socio-cultural implications. This conference seeks to foster interdisciplinary dialogue by drawing on theories and methods from visual narratives, narrative structures, semiotics, design methodologies, and communication theory. We aim to delve into how visual narratives are produced, received, and interpreted, and to reveal the power dynamics, ideologies, and cultural narratives embedded within them.

Our goal is to challenge scholars, designers, and practitioners to critically examine how images construct identities, reinforce stereotypes, and shape political and social realities. This conference invites researchers from around the world to contribute their insights on the design of visual narratives and their role within the broader context of visual discourse—a dynamic dialogue between creators, audiences, and scholars.

Topics of
Interest

We invite submissions that explore, but are not limited to, the following themes based on research areas:

• Narrative Theory for Visual Storytelling:

  Exploration of foundational and emerging narrative theories that inform and enhance the creation and analysis of visual stories across various media.

• New Media/XR Narratives:

  Investigation of storytelling practices and techniques in new media, including extended reality (XR), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and other immersive technologies.

• Comics and Graphic Novels:

  Examination of the unique narrative structures, visual language, and cultural impact of comics and graphic novels as a form of visual storytelling.

• Film Studies:

  Analysis of narrative techniques, visual composition, and storytelling strategies in film, including the interplay between image, sound, and text in cinematic discourse.

• Storytelling for Design Problem-Solving:

  Study of how narrative frameworks can be applied to design methodologies to address complex problems, enhance user experience, and communicate design concepts.

• Narratives in Games:

  Exploration of narrative construction, player agency, and the role of storytelling in physical/video games, including interactive and non-linear narrative forms.

• Storytelling and Pedagogy:

  Investigation of the use of storytelling as a pedagogical tool, examining its effectiveness in engaging learners, conveying complex concepts, and fostering critical thinking.

• Storytelling and Data Visualization:

  Analysis of how narrative techniques are employed in data visualization to make complex information accessible, engaging, and meaningful to diverse audiences.

You may have a sub-theme emerging from a research approach

Important Dates:

• 15 Aug, 2024: Submission Portal opens
• 30 Sep, 2024: Extended Abstract Submissions close
• 05 Oct, 2024: Extended Abstract Submissions close
• 09 Oct, 2024: Notification of acceptance
• 30 Oct, 2024: Submission of full paper
• 06, 07 & 08 Nov, 2024: Conference
• 30 Nov, 2024: Final Paper
• TBD: Review and acceptance for publication
• TBD: Camera ready submission

Submission Submission Portal

We invite the submissions of the extended abstract by 30th September 2024. The acceptance will be conveyed based on the abstract. All accepted abstracts will get a chance to present at the conference. Submit your full paper in the given format (30th October 2024) for publication as per the format.

Please follow the format below for abstract as well as for the full paper submission-

Abstract Submission format

• An extended abstract should not be more than 4 pages (around 800 words) in the given format. Includes maximum 5 keywords relevant to your paper.
• Here is the link for Extended Abstract Submission Format
• It should offer a concise overview of the research focus, methodology, and anticipated findings or arguments. Abstracts should clearly articulate the relevance of the work to the field of visual discourse and narrative studies. If selected, you will be invited to present your paper during the conference dates.
• Please add your name and affiliation in the abstract
• Full paper is optional at this stage. But if your paper is ready, you may submit it along with the abstract.

Full paper Submission format

• Full paper should present the original research, theoretical analysis, or case studies. Full papers should provide a comprehensive examination supported by relevant literature, data, or visual analysis.
• Final paper submissions should be formatted as a single PDF document, with a maximum of 12 pages, including references (around 3000 words).
• Here is the link for Full Paper Submission Format
• Please ensure that your submission does not contain any identification with your name, as all submissions will be double-blind peer-reviewed, with attention given to the quality of the visual narrative, clarity of communication, and the relevance of the content to the conference themes
• Ensure that the file size does not exceed more than 10 MB.

Submission Process

• All submissions should be made through the conference's Submission Portal.
• Submissions must be in English and adhere to the specified word limits.
• Extended abstracts will undergo single-blind review. Authors of accepted abstracts will be invited to present their work at the conference and the abstracts will be published in an conference abstract book with ISBN number.
• Full papers will undergo a double-blind peer-review process. If accepted, the camera ready papers will be published in a book with ISBN number after the conference.

Contact Information

For further inquiries regarding the submission process or the conference details, please contact the organizing committee at researchpapers@visualdiscourse.design.