A design language for academic slides · 学术幻灯片设计语言
Start from the information, not the slide.
A slide is a visual argument, not a page of notes. Before choosing a layout, name the type of information you are presenting. Each information type has one layout that shows it most clearly. Pick that layout every time and the deck becomes consistent, scannable, and easy to follow. 先判断信息类型，再选版式。
- One slide, one message. If you cannot say it in a short title, it is two slides.
- Information type decides the layout. A list, a sequence, and a comparison are not the same shape.
- Show importance with size. The eye reads biggest first — make the hierarchy literal.
- Stay minimal & consistent. A few layouts, one color theme, reused everywhere.
Information → layout map 信息→版式对照
The decision rule. Find your information type on the left; use the layout on the right.
| When the information is… | Use this layout | Mental model |
|---|
The essential layouts 核心版式
Seven layouts cover almost every academic slide. Each example below is a live slide rendered with the real deck styles.
One color theme 统一配色
Color carries meaning, not decoration. Use these tokens; never introduce ad-hoc colors.
Type scale — three tiers of importance
Lead idea
Supporting point
Gloss / evidence