In this article, we will discuss the dos and don\u2019ts of planning your\u00a0poster.\u00a0Planning involves everything from deciding the content to the type of layout and format that you want to follow.<\/p>\n
Poster Space<\/h2>\n
\u2714\ufe0e\u00a0Find out how much poster space you are allowed beforehand. If you are presenting your poster at a conference or convention, you would have limited space. The space you are allowed will determine the content of the poster.<\/p>\n
\u2716 Don\u2019t wait till the day of presentation to find out how much poster space is allowed. You might end-up with a poster larger than the board allotted to you. The poster space is usually determined by the size of poster stands.<\/p>\n
For example,<\/p>\n
Maximum Poster Size usually allowed is 4′ w \u00d7\u00a04′ h.<\/p>\n
Poster Style<\/h2>\n
\u2714\ufe0e Opt for either of the following poster styles:<\/p>\n
- \n
- One large poster (e.g., 33 \u00d7 44 cm)<\/li>\n
- Individual columns (e.g., three 11 \u00d7 48 cm)<\/li>\n
- Individual pages (e.g., twelve 8 \u00d7 11 cm)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\u2716 <\/strong>Don\u2019t mix these styles, as it would lead to a very messy-looking poster.<\/p>\n
Software Options<\/h2>\n
\u2714\ufe0e Choose a software depending on your technical expertise and design skills.<\/p>\n
Options<\/p>\n
Beginner<\/strong>: PowerPoint is a relatively easy-to-use tool for creating posters.<\/p>\n
Advanced<\/strong>: Adobe Illustrator, Corel, and InDesign have more features and can provide very professional results, especially for posters including lots of high-resolution images.<\/p>\n
Tip 1!<\/strong><\/h3>\n
You can produce draft posters, i.e., reduced versions of the poster, using these software and use them for editing as well as instant handouts!!!<\/strong><\/p>\n
\u2716 Do not go for a difficult software or mix results using many tools.<\/p>\n
Poster Placement<\/h2>\n
\u2714\ufe0e Place your poster such that the average viewer will have about 60% of the poster above eye level and 40% below because looking up is easier than looking down.<\/p>\n
\u2716 Don\u2019t place it such that the viewers have to bend down or squat to see the lower portion, since you may lose their attention.<\/p>\n
Tip 2!<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Choosing a Landscape orientation rather than Portrait might be beneficial<\/strong><\/p>\n
Time Management<\/h2>\n
\u2714\ufe0e Allow yourself lots of time to plan the poster\u2014at least a month!<\/p>\n
\u2716 <\/strong>Don\u2019t wait until the last minute since things will inevitably take longer than planned. Remember to allow time (and money) for printing\/laminating.<\/p>\n
Tip 3!<\/strong><\/h3>\n
You can plan a schedule for yourself using project management software available for free on the internet.<\/strong><\/p>\n
Poster Content<\/h2>\n
\u2714\ufe0e Decide on the poster content beforehand. Your poster should ideally answer the following five questions:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Why is the research question important?<\/li>\n
- What strategy is used?<\/li>\n
- What are the results?<\/li>\n
- Why are these results unique\/important?<\/li>\n
- How does this relate to other research? What comes next?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
\u2716\u00a0<\/strong>Don\u2019t make the following five common errors when deciding the content:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Don\u2019t trying to convey too much information. Only stick to the essentials highlighted above<\/li>\n
- Don\u2019t use too much text. More words take longer to read<\/li>\n
- Don\u2019t use too many illustrations with no supporting text either<\/li>\n
- Don\u2019t put too much detail in the graphs and diagrams. Keep it clean<\/li>\n
- Don\u2019t have\u00a0a very long title<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
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