SCIENTIFIC STANDARDS

At Vivariom, scientific accuracy is part of the creative process.

Our images are created using artificial intelligence and contemporary digital image-making tools. These technologies allow us to explore new ways of representing the natural world while drawing inspiration from the long tradition of scientific and natural history illustration.

Because generative tools can introduce anatomical, morphological or contextual inaccuracies, every visual intended to represent a real species or natural object is subject to a scientific review process before publication.

Our approach

Vivariom aims to create images that are both visually compelling and scientifically coherent.

For each subject, we examine the characteristics that are essential to its identification and representation, including, when relevant:

  • General morphology and proportions 

  • Distinctive anatomical features

  • Colours, patterns and markings

  • Number, position and shape of visible structures 

  • Sexual dimorphism or major morphological variations 

  • Relevant taxonomic information

  • Known characteristics of the species or object represented 

The objective is not to reproduce a single scientific specimen with absolute documentary precision, but to ensure that the final image remains recognisable, plausible and consistent with current scientific knowledge.

Scientific Verification

Visuals are reviewed against reliable scientific and natural-history references appropriate to each subject.

Depending on the subject, these may include:

  • Scientific publications

  • Taxonomic databases

  • Museum and natural-history collections

  • Institutional biodiversity databases

  • Reference photographs and specimen records

  • Astronomical and planetary science resources for celestial subjects

Artificial intelligence and image generation 

Artificial intelligence is used by Vivariom as a research and image-production tool.

It allows us to combine scientific documentation, visual experimentation and new image-generation technologies to create contemporary representations of the natural world.

AI-generated imagery is not considered scientifically reliable by default. Generated images can contain invented details, incorrect structures or visual inconsistencies.

For this reason, generation is followed by structured selection and scientific verification, with human review where required.

AI is therefore part of the production process, not a substitute for scientific review.

Accuracy and artistic interpretation

Vivariom artworks are designed as decorative and educational visual objects, not as diagnostic tools, technical diagrams or substitutes for specialist scientific documentation.

Some choices may intentionally concern:

  • Composition

  • Lighting

  • Scale within the artwork

  • Background

  • Colour balance

  • Orientation

  • Visual simplification or emphasis

These artistic decisions may depart from the conditions in which a subject would naturally be observed, while the defining characteristics of the represented subject are preserved as far as reasonably possible.

  • Taxonomy and evolving knowledge 

    Scientific knowledge is not static.

    Species names, classifications, distributions and interpretations may change as new research becomes available. Vivariom therefore treats its encyclopedia as an evolving body of work.

    When significant scientific updates are identified, existing information may be revised accordingly.

  • Corrections

    Despite our review process, errors may occasionally remain.

    If a scientific inaccuracy is identified in an image or accompanying information, Vivariom may review, correct or replace the relevant content.

    We consider this correction process an integral part of maintaining a living and progressively improving visual encyclopedia.

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Our standard

Our objective is not to claim perfect scientific illustration.

It is to establish a consistent standard:

research before generation, critical review after generation, transparency about the use of AI, and continuous improvement as the collection grows.

Vivariom seeks to demonstrate that emerging image technologies can be used not only to create beautiful objects, but also to support observation, curiosity and a deeper appreciation of the natural world.