Workshop Series

What is a research poster?

Research posters are widely used in the academic community, and most conferences include a poster session. In a poster session, the author stands next to their poster and talks with attendees. They answer questions and discuss research methodology, results, and future directions.

What makes a good poster?

• Writing is clear and concise (300-800 words total)
• Use of bullets, numbering, and headings
• Images, tables, and charts summarize results
• Size, layout, and colors are eye-catching, not distracting or hard to read

What makes a good presentation?

• Check and double-check the conference requirements 
• Prepare talking points and anticipate questions
• Speak clearly and use eye contact
• Coordinate with your group members on presenting research and answering questions

How do I make a research poster?

• PowerPoint: A popular, easy-to-use option. Available on all library computers. 
• Adobe Creative Cloud: Professional design software with loads of features. Available in the Library Tech Rooms. 
• Open Office: OpenOffice's Impress is a free alternative to PowerPoint.
• Gimp and Inkscape are similar to Adobe products. 

Layout

Readers are used to scanning columns from left to right. Keep your poster organized in columns that follow natural eye movements. 

Fonts

• Avoid using more than 2 fonts in your poster. 
• Be consistent. All of your paragraphs should be in the same font, as should all of your headings. 
• Avoid gimmicky and hard-to-read fonts.
• Size your fonts so that content is easy to read at standing distance, but not so big it limits how much you can write.

Colors

Stick to basics: light background, dark text, and one or two accent colors used sparingly. Avoid bright or patterned backgrounds or brightly colored text. If using an all-white background, box borders and lines can break up text and guide the reader.