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Poster Design

Use to guide to create an effective research, project, or other type of poster.

What is a research or professional poster?

A research poster describes, with words and visuals, research or creative work. Often posters are presented at conferences and other professional events  Poster presenters answer questions about their work as other attendees wander from poster to poster.

A professional poster may describe a project, service, or resource that does not necessarily fall into the "research" world. These posters can be presented at conferences and other professional events or may be presented at company or university event to highlight an activity.

Best Practices

Required Content

  • Title
  • Authors and their affiliations

Content for a Research Study

  • Introduction
  • Methods and Materials
  • Results
  • Conclusion(s) / Discussion
  • References (if used)
  • Acknowledgements (optional)

Content for an Event or Other Project

  • Who (author, organization, or community)
  • What (what did you do? how did you do it?)
  • Where (where did you do it?)
  • When (when did it take place?)
  • Why (what are the outcomes, implications, or future possibilities?)
  • References (if used)
  • Acknowledgements (optional)

And remember...

  • Be concise!
  • Poster size: know before you start!
  • White space is your friend!
  • Make text large!
  • Good design makes your poster professional!
  • Images and graphics should have a purpose!
  • Prepare a short "elevator" speech. Also be prepared to answer questions!

Related Guides

General Tips to Help Create a Poster