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Creating an Academic Poster

Effective Posters

The poster is a versatile tool that effectively engages audiences by simplifying complex information. An academic poster is a standard format used to present the key points of a research project quickly and clearly at conferences or events. By condensing your content and applying some visual principles, you can create an eye-catching academic poster that captures attention and sparks interest in your work.

Example of an academic poster from the Broward College Undergraduate Research Collection.

A guide for creating a research poster: Adapted from guide created by Dana Haugh, Web Services Librarian & Coordinator for Marketing and Communication, Yale Library and Dana Thimons, Health Sciences Librarian, Xavier University of Louisiana University Library.

Guidelines: The best posters:

  • Show the main point clearly so it's readable from a distance.

  • Use 300-800 words—less text is often better.

  • Include relevant images, graphics, or charts to share information.

  • Follow basic design principles for clarity.

  • Ensure accessibility for all viewers.

  • List researcher names, affiliations, references, and funding (if applicable).

Primary Elements:

  • Introduction or Background (25-50 words)

  • Methods (25-50 words)

  • Results (100-200 words)

  • Conclusions (100-200 words)

  • Recommendations/Future Directions (50-100 words)

  • References/Acknowledgements (25-50 words or use a QR code)

Wording:

To make your poster more effective, simplify your language. Use short, clear sentences to ensure your message is easily understood. Avoid jargon and keep your wording precise and direct.

Example:

In a paper:

The project aimed to determine the optimal specifications for clinically effective wheelchair pressure mapping systems and apply these to create an innovative new system.

On a poster:

  • Identify the best features for wheelchair pressure mapping systems

  • Design a new system based on these features

Consistency is crucial when designing academic posters. Here’s how to ensure it:

Consistency in Design

1. Color Scheme: Stick to a cohesive color palette throughout the poster. Use the same set of colors for similar elements (e.g., headings,           highlights) to maintain visual harmony. Avoid: Vibrating Color Combinations

The image demonstrates examples of low, high, and optimal contrast for the poster

2. Fonts: Use the same fonts for similar types of text. For example, apply the same sans-serif font for all body text and a consistent serif font for all headings. Avoid mixing too many font styles!

Common Sans-Serif Fonts: 

Arial: A widely used sans-serif font known for its readability and clean lines. 

Helvetica: Renowned for its clarity and neutrality, often used in professional settings. 

Verdana: Designed specifically for screen readability with wide spacing and large characters. 

Gill Sans: Features a humanist design with a more subtle, elegant look.

Text Sizes: Adhere to consistent text sizes for different types of information. Main titles, headings, body text, and captions should follow the size guidelines provided to ensure readability and a unified look.

  • Title: Minimum 72 points; up to 158 points

  • Headings: Minimum 42 points; up to 56 points

  • Body Text: Minimum 24 points; up to 36 points

  • Captions: Minimum 18 points; up to 24 points

Layout and Spacing: Maintain uniform spacing and alignment for all elements. Ensure margins, padding, and spacing between sections are consistent to create a clean and organized appearance.

Visual Elements: Use a consistent style for charts, graphs, and illustrations. If you use patterns or textures to convey information, apply them uniformly across similar elements.

Format and Structure: Follow a consistent format for presenting information, such as bullet points or numbered lists. Ensure that each section of the poster has a similar structure and style.

By focusing on these aspects of consistency, you create a more professional, readable, and engaging poster that effectively communicates your message.

Example: Overly Crowded

This poster is visually cluttered, with minimal negative space. The abundance of text feels overwhelming, and the disorganized layout makes the content challenging to follow. Additionally, the color choices are not effective, further hindering readability.

Example: Improved Content Organization

This poster template balances content and negative space well. The information is organized into columns, making it easy to read.

Tip: Start by writing everything you want to say, then cut it down to the most essential points for clarity (less text is often better).