This document provides guidance on designing effective research posters. It recommends preparing the poster space in advance, bringing business cards and handouts, and dressing professionally. The poster should have a clear research question, key findings, and contact information. Font size should be at least 24 point and limited to one or two fonts. Color palettes and backgrounds should complement rather than distract from content. Graphics can be added to engage viewers but the focus should remain on content. PowerPoint is a common tool for poster creation and gridlines can help with layout.

3. Poster Session “Etiquette”
Prepare your space
Things to bring: business cards, handouts,
briberies
Dressing the part
Your “elevator
speech”

4. What should
a research poster
look like?

8. Poster Design Considerations

9. Know the Requirements
• Does your poster need to be a
specific size?
• How will your poster be
displayed?
• Are outlets or wifi
available?

10. Content Considerations
What content should your
poster have?
In general, you should
always have:
1. Clear research question/purpose
2. Key findings or outcomes
3. Your name and contact

11. Writing for your Audience
Who is your poster’s audience?

12. Selecting Text Size and Fonts
Text and fonts need to
be easy to read!
• Text size should be at
least 24.
• Stick to 1-2 fonts

13. Pick Your Color Palette
Have a main color and select a few accent colors.
ColorSchemer or Colourlovers
are great websites for ideas!

14. Designing the Background
Compliment--don’t distract from the content!
• Solid or gradient colors
• Simple shapes
• Do a test print.

15. Add Some Graphics

17. Getting Started in PowerPoint

18. Helpful Tips for PowerPoint
 First step: Change the size of your ppt slide then
start your poster.
 Using Gridlines and Ruler view helps with
spacing
 View your poster at 100% -- especially watch for
grainy or distorted images
 Know what content you want to include before
you start designing your poster.

19. Your Time to Shine

20. Image Resources
Most come from the stock.xchng website except:
Slide 2: Macalester College, “20131011_mac_posters_129” found at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/macalester/10440255535/sizes/l/
Slide 3: Macalester College, “20131011_mac_posters_104” found at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/macalester/10442997676/sizes/l/
Slide 5: “Pigs in Space,” Copyright Colin Purrington. Found at
http://colinpurrington.com/tips/academic/posterdesign
Slide 6: “Does Conscious Conflict Require Awareness… ,” Found at http://timgerrits.com/wpcontent/uploads/2013/04/spsp_poster.jpg
Slide 7: “The History and Formation of Departmental Libraries…,“ Found at
http://lgimages.s3.amazonaws.com/data/imagemanager/30358/kumarposter.jpg
Slide 12: “Snellen Chart for Adults” found on http://www.aao.org/eyecare/treatment/upload/SnellenChart-for-Adults.jpg
Slide 18: PowerPoint Icon found on http://www.softicons.com/free-icons/system-icons/omnom-iconsby-ampeross/powerpoint-icon

21. Want More?
More information is available at:
http://libguides.uccs.edu/poster