News

What makes a good poster?

Feb 22, 2024, 10:30 AM

The deadline for submission of poster abstracts for the conference is fast approaching! The final deadline is THIS SUNDAY, the 25th February 2024.

So, for those who subsequently get accepted, what makes a good poster….

Creating an effective conference poster is crucial for conveying your topic in a visually engaging manner. We encourage authors to be creative with their poster design. We have found some videos online that we think are very useful:

·         https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RwJbhkCA58

·         https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYk29tnxASs

If you don’t fancy watching the videos above, then here are five tips to help you design a standout poster:
 
1. Take time to plan your poster:
  • Purpose: Your goal is to grab the audience’s attention and generate interest in your work.
  • Relevance: Ensure that all elements within the poster, both graphics and text, relate to your work and add value.
  • Conciseness: Be clear and concise. Focus on essential points and conclusions. Keep text and tables to a minimum.
2. Know your audience - consider who will view your poster:
  • Specialists: Assume a high level of knowledge within your discipline.
  • Wider Field: Familiar with related research but not specialised terms.
  • General: Little or no familiarity—use basic language.
3. Engage with the audience:
  • Make your subject clear from a distance, whilst ensuring all elements are easily visible close up.
  • Use colour and include appropriate images that help people remember your poster.
  • Use a large, succinct main heading and make it the key finding of your work.
  • Include information in side-bars to help you discuss the findings with those you are speaking to in the poster session.
  • If possible, include a QR code to a link with further information on your poster
4. Layout matters - follow a clear structure:
  • Introduction: Grab the audience's attention.
  • Planning: Communicate your message clearly.
  • Layout: Make it easy to follow.
  • Graphics: Use them effectively.
  • Text: Keep clear.
  • Color: Use purposefully.
  • Sources: Cite appropriately.
5. Learn from Examples:
  • Explore existing conference posters to understand the genre.
  • Identify examples you find easy to understand.
  • Search “good conference posters” or seek examples from conferences.
Remember, a well-designed conference poster not only communicates your work effectively but also leaves a lasting impact on your audience. Good luck with your poster presentation!

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