Putting

together a
poster
 Summarises your project

Is highly visual
A Poster
Speaks for itself

Follows normal academic rules

 Content Design Poster

• Audience • Layout
• Sections • Key visuals • Tells a story
• Depth • Distance on its own
• Data • Colours • Tells a story
Protection • Fonts visually
• Signpost
 Audience: Sections:
General or Specialist? Introduction, Background,
Terminology, interest Research question, Methods,
Findings, Discussion, Conclusion

Content

Depth:
Focus on the key messages
It’s a summary not an essay
Use tables and figures to add
depth with less words
Ethics:
Think data protection
Is there information that shouldn’t
be public?
E.g. names/financials?
 Poster Design

1 Layout:
2 Distance: 3 Colour & Font:
Use Headings should Choose a simple
graphics/images be legible from colour scheme
Aim for at least up to 2.5m and stick to it
30% empty space Body text should Use no more than
Signpost be legible from at two fonts plus
everything least 1m away equation text
Visual Appeal:
• Make sure
elements are
aligned
• Consider the
rule of thirds

http://slideguru.com/the-rule-of-thirds
Layout
example 1

http://www.ijdvl.com/article.asp?issn=0378-6323;year=2010;volume=76;issue=6;spage=718;epage=720;aulast=Kaimal
Layout
example 2

https://projects.ncsu.edu/project/posters/ExamplePosters.html
Layout
Examples 3&4

https://www.ethz.ch/services/en/servi http://www.wilderness.net/signsPosters
Layout
example 5

https://www.pinterest.ie/explore/research-posters/
 Text for Posters
Always use sans serif fonts. These are Always use sans serif fonts as they are
generally much easier to read than easier to read than other fonts.
other fonts. Headings should be at
least a size 85, and body text should be Recommended font sizes:
at least a size 24. Equations should be • Headings > 85
at least a size 30 as well so that they
• Body text > 24
can easily be read. Break up large
bodies of text where possible to • Equations > 30
improve readability, and help readers
To improve readability, and help readers
to process your information. Use process your poster, you should:
bullets where possible. Also • Break up large bodies of text
remember to reduce the number of
• Use bullets
words where possible, and use
symbols where viable. Using graphics • Reduce word counts
is also recommended when designing • Use symbols
posters • Use Graphics

Example A: Plantagent Cherokee Example B: Century Gothic

 Text for Posters
Example C – Century Gothic
Font Type
• Use sans serif fonts
• Arial, Calibri, Century Gothic
Font Size
• Heading size > 85
• Body text size >24
• Equation size > 30
Improve Readability
• Use bullets
• Reduce word counts
• Use symbols, e.g. < = > &
• Break up large bodies of text
• Graphics
Always use sans serif fonts. These are
generally much easier to read than
other fonts. Headings should be at
least a size 85, and body text should be
at least a size 24. Equations should be
at least a size 30 as well so that they
can easily be read. Break up large
bodies of text where possible to
improve readability, and help readers
to process your information. Use
bullets where possible. Also
remember to reduce the number of
words where possible, and use
symbols where viable. Using graphics
is also recommended when designing
posters
Example A: Plantagent Cherokee
 Layout Planning

• Plan content first Sections • Title

• Next plan the • Name and email
layout address
• Plan an elevator • Design around • Supervisor
pitch (if needed) report sections • School of ?
• Prior preparation • Design around a • References?
figure, e.g. process
diagram, electrical
schematic, Additional
Planning concept map,
SmartArt
Information
Layout Rules

Use a light Background

1

Use signposting to show sequence

2

3 Aim for at least 30% empty space

4
Consider the printing implications
 Using Built-in Object
elements manipulation Save
PowerPoint

• Colour • Snap
Palettes • Align
• Custom size • SmartArt • Distribute • Save as an
• 100% view Graphics • Group image
• Grids • Online • Remove image • Save as PDF
• Easy to use Search backgrounds for printing

Online PowerPoint Tutorials

Adding equations Using SmartArt Formatting text
Creating and grouping shapes Distribute and align shapes Changing slide sizes
 Simple
Use Plan in Readable from Rule of thirds colour
Graphics advance a distance
palette

Use sans serif Focus on key 30-40% empty

fonts space
messages

Break up
Check text Use bullets
Reduce the Use symbols, large
sizes word count e.g. < = > & bodies of
text