Developing Effective Posters

Mary GallantSPH 685

March 6, 2015

What is a Poster?

• A formal type of scientific presentation• A way to present information visually• An opportunity to share your knowledge with

peers and colleagues at a scientific conference or public display

• An interactive presentation tool

An Effective Poster…

• Conveys a clear, coherent message; Tells a story

• Clearly presents objective and main points• Is visually appealing• Is well organized and draws viewer from left to

right• Balances text and graphics

Design Tips

• Leave adequate white space• Ensure it is readable from 4-6 feet away• Choose fonts carefully– Don’t use too many– Serif font for text; sans serif for titles / headings

• Column format works well

Research Posters• Title / Student name & affiliation

• Name of Field Placement/Name of Field Instructor

• Introduction– Objective of research or experience – Background/literature (include a brief description of what problem is being addressed)– Theoretical Framework/Theory/Conceptual framework (brief explanation) – if

appropriate

• Methods – Describe setting of study, sampling of target population, define variables (themes if qualitative) and analysis strategies

• Data/Results – tables or charts or diagrams help. – Quantitative: Sample statistics, bivariate/multivariate results, statistical models, etc. – Qualitative: Describe sample, themes and provide quotes that summarize themes

• Strengths/Limitations of research methods and findings

• Conclusions - What are the implications of your results and recommendations?

• Acknowledgments - Partners, colleagues, mentors, etc.

• References – Should be provided but may be on a different sheet.

Program / Project Posters• Title / Student name & affiliation• Name of Field Placement/Name of Mentor• Introduction

– Objective of the program or your experience – Background/literature to support the reason for the program (include a brief description

of what problem is being addressed)– Theoretical Framework/Theory/Conceptual framework (brief explanation) Consider a

diagram to help

• Program or process strategy if different than framework (i.e. CBPR Principles, RE-AIM, Intervention Mapping or other development framework)

• Process Evaluation or other results of evaluation if conducted. If not, Leave out• Strengths/Limitations or the program or experience• Conclusions - What are the implications of your experience and

recommendations?• Acknowledgments - Partners, colleagues, mentors, etc.• References – Should be provided but may be on a different sheet.

Evaluation Criteria

• Clear objective• Good general knowledge• Appropriate research methodology / comprehensive

project description and rationale• Strengths and limitations of study/project• Clear presentation of results• Appropriateness of conclusions and recommendations• Clarity of poster presentation• Clarity of oral presentation