Abstract:

As time passes, more conventional and non-traditional forms used to communicate research can be obtained. One of the desirable talents of a researcher is the ability to convey empirical research results using diverse platforms and for diverse demographics. Academic articles and research studies have rarely employed comic strips or comic books to publish the results of their research; however, this format has been gaining popularity in the last decade. It has been found that comics can be effective in connecting with audiences outside of academia, reaching audiences and demographics for disseminating information to engage participants. This study aims to explain the creation and purpose of comic strips as a tool to enhance a PhD investigation's goals, methodology, and findings. Throughout the five stages of the comic strip's development—empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test—Design Thinking was applied. This study's comic strip object was introduced to the public using slides, a poster, and a video presentation. The methodology utilized in this study offers an interpretive and qualitative approach to investigate the perspectives of the general public who were exposed to this comic strip. According to the content analysis of the replies gathered, the comic strip is clear, appealing, clever, captivating, and amusing. Additionally, comments have been made on how inventive, unique, creative, and valuable it was conveying the information. It is said that by adding some humour, comic strips broaden the research's audience (academic and non-academic). This study raises the possibility that comics could creatively bridge the knowledge gap between research and real-world application. They may also appeal to a larger readership more visually due to their easy reading, compelling characters, and well-known circumstances.

Keywords:

Applied comics, communicating in academia, non-traditional communication, Design Thinking, research and society.