My Visualise Your Thesis (VYT) 2025 entry is now live in the international gallery!
The competition showcases graduate researchers around the world, each sharing their work in short, engaging videos. My entry was the CQUniversity winner in 2025 and uses claymation to share my doctoral research on reading-to-dog programs as reading interventions 🐶📚.
You can find my video here: https://youtu.be/LCKdJK4BLo4
My Top VYT Tips:
1. Start with your story, not your data
Your audience doesn’t need every detail of your thesis….they need the heart of it. Ask: What’s the one big idea I want people to remember?
2. Think visually, not text-heavy
Use images, animation, or symbols that capture your research message. Less text = more impact. If you can say it in 3 words and a strong visual, do that instead of a paragraph. If you compare my 2024 attempt to my 2025 one you’ll see I removed nearly all text for 2025.
3. Keep it simple and engaging
Imagine explaining your work to a curious 12-year-old or a friend outside academia. That clarity will help both judges and the public connect with your entry.
4. Focus on flow
Your 60-second video should feel like a smooth journey – beginning (the problem), middle (your approach), and end (why it matters). Storyboarding helps a lot.
5. Use sound strategically
Background music or narration can lift your message, but only if it complements the visuals. Test with and without sound to make sure it still works. I also had to record-record my voiceover quite a few times to ensure the correct sections were aligned for impact.
6. Prototype and get feedback
Show your draft to people who aren’t in your field. If they “get it” quickly, you’re on the right track. If not, refine.
7. Don’t forget accessibility
Use high-contrast visuals, clear fonts, and subtitles. This not only helps reach more people, but also shows thoughtfulness in presentation. Make sure to submit a transcript as well.
8. Have fun with it
Play, experiment, and let your personality come through. A memorable creative hook (like a claymation doggo 🦮) can make your research unforgettable.
Melissa Smith 