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skills/latex-posters/references/latex_poster_packages.md
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skills/latex-posters/references/latex_poster_packages.md
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# LaTeX Poster Packages: Comprehensive Comparison
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## Overview
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Three major LaTeX packages dominate research poster creation: beamerposter, tikzposter, and baposter. Each has distinct strengths, syntax, and use cases. This guide provides detailed comparisons and practical examples.
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## Package Comparison Matrix
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| Feature | beamerposter | tikzposter | baposter |
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|---------|--------------|------------|----------|
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| **Learning Curve** | Easy (if familiar with Beamer) | Moderate | Moderate |
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| **Flexibility** | Moderate | High | Moderate-High |
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| **Default Aesthetics** | Traditional/Academic | Modern/Colorful | Professional/Clean |
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| **Theme Support** | Extensive (Beamer themes) | Built-in + Custom | Limited built-in |
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| **Customization** | Moderate effort | Easy with TikZ | Structured approach |
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| **Layout System** | Frame-based | Block-based | Box-based with grid |
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| **Multi-column** | Manual | Automatic | Automatic |
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| **Graphics Integration** | Standard includegraphics | TikZ + includegraphics | Standard + advanced |
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| **Community Support** | Large (Beamer community) | Growing | Smaller |
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| **Best For** | Traditional academic, institutional branding | Creative designs, custom graphics | Structured multi-column layouts |
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| **File Size** | Small | Medium-Large (TikZ overhead) | Medium |
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| **Compilation Speed** | Fast | Slower (TikZ processing) | Fast-Medium |
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## 1. beamerposter
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### Overview
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beamerposter extends the popular Beamer presentation class for poster-sized documents. It inherits all Beamer functionality, themes, and customization options.
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### Advantages
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- **Familiar syntax**: If you know Beamer, you know beamerposter
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- **Extensive themes**: Access to all Beamer themes and color schemes
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- **Institutional branding**: Easy to match university templates
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- **Stable and mature**: Well-tested, extensive documentation
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- **Block structure**: Clear organizational units
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- **Good for traditional posters**: Academic conferences, thesis defenses
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### Disadvantages
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- **Less flexible layouts**: Column-based system can be restrictive
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- **Manual positioning**: Requires careful spacing adjustments
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- **Traditional aesthetics**: Can look dated compared to modern designs
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- **Limited built-in styling**: Requires theme customization for unique looks
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### Basic Template
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```latex
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\documentclass[final,t]{beamer}
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\usepackage[size=a0,scale=1.4,orientation=portrait]{beamerposter}
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\usetheme{Berlin}
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\usecolortheme{beaver}
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% Configure fonts
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\setbeamerfont{title}{size=\VeryHuge,series=\bfseries}
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\setbeamerfont{author}{size=\Large}
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\setbeamerfont{block title}{size=\large,series=\bfseries}
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\title{Your Research Title}
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\author{Author Names}
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\institute{Institution}
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\begin{document}
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\begin{frame}[t]
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% Title block
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\begin{block}{}
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\maketitle
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\end{block}
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\begin{columns}[t]
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\begin{column}{.45\linewidth}
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\begin{block}{Introduction}
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Your introduction text here...
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\end{block}
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\begin{block}{Methods}
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Your methods text here...
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\end{block}
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\end{column}
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\begin{column}{.45\linewidth}
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\begin{block}{Results}
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Your results text here...
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\includegraphics[width=\linewidth]{figure.pdf}
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\end{block}
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\begin{block}{Conclusions}
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Your conclusions here...
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\end{block}
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\end{column}
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\end{columns}
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\end{frame}
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\end{document}
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```
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### Popular Themes
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```latex
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% Traditional academic
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\usetheme{Berlin}
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\usecolortheme{beaver}
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% Modern minimal
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\usetheme{Madrid}
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\usecolortheme{whale}
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% Blue professional
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\usetheme{Singapore}
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\usecolortheme{dolphin}
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% Dark theme
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\usetheme{Warsaw}
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\usecolortheme{seahorse}
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```
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### Custom Colors
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```latex
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% Define custom colors
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\definecolor{primarycolor}{RGB}{0,51,102} % Dark blue
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\definecolor{secondarycolor}{RGB}{204,0,0} % Red
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\definecolor{accentcolor}{RGB}{255,204,0} % Gold
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% Apply to beamer elements
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\setbeamercolor{structure}{fg=primarycolor}
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\setbeamercolor{block title}{bg=primarycolor,fg=white}
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\setbeamercolor{block body}{bg=primarycolor!10,fg=black}
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```
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### Advanced Customization
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```latex
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% Remove navigation symbols
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\setbeamertemplate{navigation symbols}{}
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% Custom title formatting
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\setbeamertemplate{title page}{
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\begin{center}
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{\usebeamerfont{title}\usebeamercolor[fg]{title}\inserttitle}\\[1cm]
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{\usebeamerfont{author}\insertauthor}\\[0.5cm]
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{\usebeamerfont{institute}\insertinstitute}
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\end{center}
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}
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% Custom block style
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\setbeamertemplate{block begin}{
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\par\vskip\medskipamount
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\begin{beamercolorbox}[colsep*=.75ex,rounded=true]{block title}
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\usebeamerfont*{block title}\insertblocktitle
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\end{beamercolorbox}
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{\parskip0pt\par}
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\usebeamerfont{block body}
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\begin{beamercolorbox}[colsep*=.75ex,vmode,rounded=true]{block body}
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}
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```
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### Three-Column Layout
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```latex
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\begin{columns}[t]
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\begin{column}{.3\linewidth}
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% Left column content
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\end{column}
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\begin{column}{.3\linewidth}
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% Middle column content
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\end{column}
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\begin{column}{.3\linewidth}
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% Right column content
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\end{column}
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\end{columns}
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```
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## 2. tikzposter
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### Overview
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tikzposter is built on the powerful TikZ graphics package, offering modern designs with extensive customization through TikZ commands.
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### Advantages
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- **Modern aesthetics**: Contemporary, colorful designs out-of-the-box
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- **Flexible block placement**: Easy positioning anywhere on poster
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- **Beautiful themes**: Multiple professionally designed themes included
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- **TikZ integration**: Seamless graphics and custom drawings
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- **Color customization**: Easy to create custom color palettes
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- **Automatic spacing**: Intelligent block spacing and alignment
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### Disadvantages
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- **Compilation time**: TikZ processing can be slow for large posters
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- **File size**: PDFs can be larger due to TikZ elements
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- **Learning curve**: TikZ syntax can be complex for advanced customization
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- **Less institutional theme support**: Requires more work to match branding
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### Basic Template
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```latex
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\documentclass[25pt, a0paper, portrait, margin=0mm, innermargin=15mm,
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blockverticalspace=15mm, colspace=15mm, subcolspace=8mm]{tikzposter}
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\title{Your Research Title}
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\author{Author Names}
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\institute{Institution}
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% Choose theme and color style
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\usetheme{Rays}
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\usecolorstyle{Denmark}
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\begin{document}
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\maketitle
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% First column
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\begin{columns}
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\column{0.5}
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\block{Introduction}{
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Your introduction text here...
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}
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\block{Methods}{
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Your methods text here...
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}
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% Second column
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\column{0.5}
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\block{Results}{
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Your results text here...
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\begin{tikzfigure}
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\includegraphics[width=0.9\linewidth]{figure.pdf}
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\end{tikzfigure}
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}
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\block{Conclusions}{
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Your conclusions here...
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}
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\end{columns}
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\end{document}
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```
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### Available Themes
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```latex
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% Modern with radiating background
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\usetheme{Rays}
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% Clean with decorative wave
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\usetheme{Wave}
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% Minimal with envelope corners
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\usetheme{Envelope}
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% Traditional academic
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\usetheme{Basic}
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% Board-style with texture
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\usetheme{Board}
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% Clean minimal
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\usetheme{Simple}
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% Professional with lines
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\usetheme{Default}
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% Autumn color scheme
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\usetheme{Autumn}
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% Desert color palette
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\usetheme{Desert}
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```
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### Color Styles
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```latex
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% Professional blue
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\usecolorstyle{Denmark}
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% Warm colors
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\usecolorstyle{Australia}
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% Cool tones
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\usecolorstyle{Sweden}
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% Earth tones
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\usecolorstyle{Britain}
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% Default color scheme
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\usecolorstyle{Default}
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```
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### Custom Color Definition
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```latex
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\definecolorstyle{CustomStyle}{
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\definecolor{colorOne}{RGB}{0,51,102} % Dark blue
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\definecolor{colorTwo}{RGB}{255,204,0} % Gold
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\definecolor{colorThree}{RGB}{204,0,0} % Red
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}{
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% Background Colors
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\colorlet{backgroundcolor}{white}
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\colorlet{framecolor}{colorOne}
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% Title Colors
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\colorlet{titlefgcolor}{white}
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\colorlet{titlebgcolor}{colorOne}
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% Block Colors
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\colorlet{blocktitlebgcolor}{colorOne}
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\colorlet{blocktitlefgcolor}{white}
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\colorlet{blockbodybgcolor}{white}
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\colorlet{blockbodyfgcolor}{black}
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% Innerblock Colors
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\colorlet{innerblocktitlebgcolor}{colorTwo}
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\colorlet{innerblocktitlefgcolor}{black}
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\colorlet{innerblockbodybgcolor}{colorTwo!10}
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\colorlet{innerblockbodyfgcolor}{black}
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% Note colors
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\colorlet{notefgcolor}{black}
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\colorlet{notebgcolor}{colorThree!20}
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}
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\usecolorstyle{CustomStyle}
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```
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### Block Placement and Sizing
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```latex
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% Full-width block
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\block{Title}{Content}
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% Specify width
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\block[width=0.8\linewidth]{Title}{Content}
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% Position manually
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\block[x=10, y=50, width=30]{Title}{Content}
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% Inner blocks (nested, different styling)
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\block{Outer Title}{
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\innerblock{Inner Title}{
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Highlighted content
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}
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}
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% Note blocks (for emphasis)
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\note[width=0.4\linewidth]{
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Important note text
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}
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```
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### Advanced Features
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```latex
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% QR codes with tikzposter styling
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\block{Scan for More}{
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\begin{center}
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\qrcode[height=5cm]{https://github.com/project}\\
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\vspace{0.5cm}
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Visit our GitHub repository
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\end{center}
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}
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% Multi-column within block
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\block{Results}{
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\begin{tabular}{cc}
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\includegraphics[width=0.45\linewidth]{fig1.pdf} &
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\includegraphics[width=0.45\linewidth]{fig2.pdf}
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\end{tabular}
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}
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% Custom TikZ graphics
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\block{Methodology}{
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\begin{tikzpicture}
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\node[draw, rectangle, fill=blue!20] (A) {Step 1};
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\node[draw, rectangle, fill=green!20, right=of A] (B) {Step 2};
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\draw[->, thick] (A) -- (B);
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\end{tikzpicture}
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}
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```
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## 3. baposter
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### Overview
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baposter (Box Area Poster) uses a box-based layout system with automatic positioning and spacing. Excellent for structured, professional multi-column layouts.
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### Advantages
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- **Automatic layout**: Intelligent box positioning and spacing
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- **Professional defaults**: Clean, polished appearance out-of-the-box
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- **Multi-column excellence**: Best-in-class column-based layouts
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- **Header/footer boxes**: Easy institutional branding
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- **Consistent spacing**: Automatic vertical and horizontal alignment
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- **Print-ready**: Excellent CMYK support
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### Disadvantages
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- **Less flexible**: Box-based system can be constraining
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- **Fewer themes**: Limited built-in theme options
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- **Learning curve**: Unique syntax requires time to master
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- **Less active development**: Smaller community compared to others
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### Basic Template
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```latex
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\documentclass[a0paper,portrait]{baposter}
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\usepackage{graphicx}
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\usepackage{multicol}
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\begin{document}
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\begin{poster}{
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% Options
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grid=false,
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columns=3,
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colspacing=1em,
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bgColorOne=white,
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bgColorTwo=white,
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borderColor=blue!50,
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headerColorOne=blue!80,
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headerColorTwo=blue!70,
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headerFontColor=white,
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boxColorOne=white,
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boxColorTwo=blue!10,
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textborder=roundedleft,
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eyecatcher=true,
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headerborder=open,
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headerheight=0.12\textheight,
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headershape=roundedright,
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headershade=plain,
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headerfont=\Large\sf\bf,
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linewidth=2pt
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}
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% Eye Catcher (Logo)
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{
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\includegraphics[height=6em]{logo.pdf}
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}
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% Title
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{
|
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Your Research Title
|
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}
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% Authors
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{
|
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Author Names\\
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Institution Name
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}
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% University Logo
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{
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\includegraphics[height=6em]{university-logo.pdf}
|
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}
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|
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% First column boxes
|
||||
\headerbox{Introduction}{name=intro,column=0,row=0}{
|
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Your introduction text here...
|
||||
}
|
||||
|
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\headerbox{Methods}{name=methods,column=0,below=intro}{
|
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Your methods text here...
|
||||
}
|
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|
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% Second column boxes
|
||||
\headerbox{Results}{name=results,column=1,row=0,span=2}{
|
||||
Your results here...
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||||
\includegraphics[width=0.9\linewidth]{results.pdf}
|
||||
}
|
||||
|
||||
\headerbox{Analysis}{name=analysis,column=1,below=results}{
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Analysis details...
|
||||
}
|
||||
|
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\headerbox{Validation}{name=validation,column=2,below=results}{
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||||
Validation results...
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||||
}
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|
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% Bottom spanning box
|
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\headerbox{Conclusions}{name=conclusions,column=0,span=3,above=bottom}{
|
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Your conclusions here...
|
||||
}
|
||||
|
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\end{poster}
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\end{document}
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```
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### Box Positioning
|
||||
|
||||
```latex
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% Position by column and row
|
||||
\headerbox{Title}{name=box1, column=0, row=0}{Content}
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|
||||
% Position relative to other boxes
|
||||
\headerbox{Title}{name=box2, column=0, below=box1}{Content}
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|
||||
% Above another box
|
||||
\headerbox{Title}{name=box3, column=1, above=bottom}{Content}
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|
||||
% Span multiple columns
|
||||
\headerbox{Title}{name=box4, column=0, span=2, row=0}{Content}
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||||
|
||||
% Between two boxes vertically
|
||||
\headerbox{Title}{name=box5, column=0, below=box1, above=box3}{Content}
|
||||
|
||||
% Aligned with another box
|
||||
\headerbox{Title}{name=box6, column=1, aligned=box1}{Content}
|
||||
```
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|
||||
### Styling Options
|
||||
|
||||
```latex
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\begin{poster}{
|
||||
% Grid and layout
|
||||
grid=false, % Show layout grid (debug)
|
||||
columns=3, % Number of columns
|
||||
colspacing=1em, % Space between columns
|
||||
|
||||
% Background
|
||||
background=plain, % plain, shadetb, shadelr, user
|
||||
bgColorOne=white,
|
||||
bgColorTwo=lightgray,
|
||||
|
||||
% Borders
|
||||
borderColor=blue!50,
|
||||
linewidth=2pt,
|
||||
|
||||
% Header
|
||||
headerColorOne=blue!80,
|
||||
headerColorTwo=blue!70,
|
||||
headerFontColor=white,
|
||||
headerheight=0.12\textheight,
|
||||
headershape=roundedright, % rectangle, rounded, roundedright, roundedleft
|
||||
headershade=plain, % plain, shadetb, shadelr
|
||||
headerborder=open, % open, closed
|
||||
|
||||
% Boxes
|
||||
boxColorOne=white,
|
||||
boxColorTwo=blue!10,
|
||||
boxshade=plain, % plain, shadetb, shadelr
|
||||
textborder=roundedleft, % none, rectangle, rounded, roundedleft, roundedright
|
||||
|
||||
% Eye catcher
|
||||
eyecatcher=true
|
||||
}
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
### Color Schemes
|
||||
|
||||
```latex
|
||||
% Professional blue
|
||||
\begin{poster}{
|
||||
headerColorOne=blue!80,
|
||||
headerColorTwo=blue!70,
|
||||
boxColorTwo=blue!10,
|
||||
borderColor=blue!50
|
||||
}
|
||||
|
||||
% Academic green
|
||||
\begin{poster}{
|
||||
headerColorOne=green!70!black,
|
||||
headerColorTwo=green!60!black,
|
||||
boxColorTwo=green!10,
|
||||
borderColor=green!50
|
||||
}
|
||||
|
||||
% Corporate gray
|
||||
\begin{poster}{
|
||||
headerColorOne=gray!60,
|
||||
headerColorTwo=gray!50,
|
||||
boxColorTwo=gray!10,
|
||||
borderColor=gray!40
|
||||
}
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
## Package Selection Guide
|
||||
|
||||
### Choose beamerposter if:
|
||||
- ✅ You're already familiar with Beamer
|
||||
- ✅ You need to match institutional Beamer themes
|
||||
- ✅ You prefer traditional academic aesthetics
|
||||
- ✅ You want extensive theme options
|
||||
- ✅ You need fast compilation times
|
||||
- ✅ You're creating posters for conservative academic conferences
|
||||
|
||||
### Choose tikzposter if:
|
||||
- ✅ You want modern, colorful designs
|
||||
- ✅ You plan to create custom graphics with TikZ
|
||||
- ✅ You value aesthetic flexibility
|
||||
- ✅ You want built-in professional themes
|
||||
- ✅ You don't mind slightly longer compilation
|
||||
- ✅ You're presenting at design-conscious or public-facing events
|
||||
|
||||
### Choose baposter if:
|
||||
- ✅ You need structured multi-column layouts
|
||||
- ✅ You want automatic box positioning
|
||||
- ✅ You prefer clean, professional defaults
|
||||
- ✅ You need precise control over box relationships
|
||||
- ✅ You're creating posters with many sections
|
||||
- ✅ You value consistent spacing and alignment
|
||||
|
||||
## Conversion Between Packages
|
||||
|
||||
### From beamerposter to tikzposter
|
||||
|
||||
```latex
|
||||
% beamerposter
|
||||
\begin{block}{Title}
|
||||
Content
|
||||
\end{block}
|
||||
|
||||
% tikzposter equivalent
|
||||
\block{Title}{
|
||||
Content
|
||||
}
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
### From beamerposter to baposter
|
||||
|
||||
```latex
|
||||
% beamerposter
|
||||
\begin{block}{Introduction}
|
||||
Content
|
||||
\end{block}
|
||||
|
||||
% baposter equivalent
|
||||
\headerbox{Introduction}{name=intro, column=0, row=0}{
|
||||
Content
|
||||
}
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
### From tikzposter to baposter
|
||||
|
||||
```latex
|
||||
% tikzposter
|
||||
\block{Methods}{
|
||||
Content
|
||||
}
|
||||
|
||||
% baposter equivalent
|
||||
\headerbox{Methods}{name=methods, column=0, row=0}{
|
||||
Content
|
||||
}
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
## Compilation Tips
|
||||
|
||||
### Faster Compilation
|
||||
|
||||
```bash
|
||||
# Use draft mode for initial edits
|
||||
\documentclass[draft]{tikzposter}
|
||||
|
||||
# Compile with faster engines when possible
|
||||
pdflatex -interaction=nonstopmode poster.tex
|
||||
|
||||
# For tikzposter, use externalization to cache TikZ graphics
|
||||
\usetikzlibrary{external}
|
||||
\tikzexternalize
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
### Memory Issues
|
||||
|
||||
```latex
|
||||
% Increase TeX memory for large posters
|
||||
% Add to poster preamble:
|
||||
\pdfminorversion=7
|
||||
\pdfobjcompresslevel=2
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
### Font Embedding
|
||||
|
||||
```bash
|
||||
# Ensure fonts are embedded (required for printing)
|
||||
pdflatex -dEmbedAllFonts=true poster.tex
|
||||
|
||||
# Check font embedding
|
||||
pdffonts poster.pdf
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
## Hybrid Approaches
|
||||
|
||||
You can combine strengths of different packages:
|
||||
|
||||
### beamerposter with TikZ Graphics
|
||||
|
||||
```latex
|
||||
\documentclass[final]{beamer}
|
||||
\usepackage[size=a0]{beamerposter}
|
||||
\usepackage{tikz}
|
||||
|
||||
\begin{block}{Flowchart}
|
||||
\begin{tikzpicture}
|
||||
% Custom TikZ graphics within beamerposter
|
||||
\end{tikzpicture}
|
||||
\end{block}
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
### tikzposter with Beamer Themes
|
||||
|
||||
```latex
|
||||
\documentclass{tikzposter}
|
||||
|
||||
% Import specific Beamer color definitions
|
||||
\definecolor{beamerblue}{RGB}{0,51,102}
|
||||
\colorlet{blocktitlebgcolor}{beamerblue}
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
## Recommended Packages for All Systems
|
||||
|
||||
```latex
|
||||
% Essential packages for any poster
|
||||
\usepackage{graphicx} % Images
|
||||
\usepackage{amsmath,amssymb} % Math symbols
|
||||
\usepackage{booktabs} % Professional tables
|
||||
\usepackage{multicol} % Multiple columns in text
|
||||
\usepackage{qrcode} % QR codes
|
||||
\usepackage{hyperref} % Hyperlinks
|
||||
\usepackage{caption} % Caption customization
|
||||
\usepackage{subcaption} % Subfigures
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
## Performance Comparison
|
||||
|
||||
| Package | Compile Time (A0) | PDF Size | Memory Usage |
|
||||
|---------|-------------------|----------|--------------|
|
||||
| beamerposter | ~5-10 seconds | 2-5 MB | Low |
|
||||
| tikzposter | ~15-30 seconds | 5-15 MB | Medium-High |
|
||||
| baposter | ~8-15 seconds | 3-8 MB | Medium |
|
||||
|
||||
*Note: Times for poster with 5 figures, typical conference content*
|
||||
|
||||
## Conclusion
|
||||
|
||||
All three packages are excellent choices for different scenarios:
|
||||
|
||||
- **beamerposter**: Best for traditional academic settings and Beamer users
|
||||
- **tikzposter**: Best for modern, visually striking presentations
|
||||
- **baposter**: Best for structured, professional multi-section posters
|
||||
|
||||
Choose based on your specific needs, aesthetic preferences, and time constraints. When in doubt, start with tikzposter for modern conferences or beamerposter for traditional academic venues.
|
||||
|
||||
748
skills/latex-posters/references/poster_content_guide.md
Normal file
748
skills/latex-posters/references/poster_content_guide.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,748 @@
|
||||
# Research Poster Content Guide
|
||||
|
||||
## Overview
|
||||
|
||||
Content is king in research posters. This guide covers writing strategies, section-specific guidance, visual-text balance, and best practices for communicating research effectively in poster format.
|
||||
|
||||
## Core Content Principles
|
||||
|
||||
### 1. The 3-5 Minute Rule
|
||||
|
||||
**Reality**: Most viewers spend 3-5 minutes at your poster
|
||||
- **1 minute**: Scanning from distance (title, figures)
|
||||
- **2-4 minutes**: Reading key points up close
|
||||
- **5+ minutes**: Engaged conversation (if interested)
|
||||
|
||||
**Design Implication**: Poster must work at three levels:
|
||||
1. **Distance view** (6-10 feet): Title and main figure visible
|
||||
2. **Browse view** (3-6 feet): Section headers and key results readable
|
||||
3. **Detail view** (1-3 feet): Full content accessible
|
||||
|
||||
### 2. Tell a Story, Not a Paper
|
||||
|
||||
**Poster ≠ Condensed Paper**
|
||||
|
||||
**Paper approach** (❌):
|
||||
- Comprehensive literature review
|
||||
- Detailed methodology
|
||||
- All results presented
|
||||
- Lengthy discussion
|
||||
- 50+ references
|
||||
|
||||
**Poster approach** (✅):
|
||||
- One sentence background
|
||||
- Visual methods diagram
|
||||
- 3-5 key results
|
||||
- 3-4 bullet point conclusions
|
||||
- 5-10 key references
|
||||
|
||||
**Story Arc for Posters**:
|
||||
```
|
||||
Hook (Problem) → Approach → Discovery → Impact
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**Example**:
|
||||
- **Hook**: "Antibiotic resistance threatens millions of lives annually"
|
||||
- **Approach**: "We developed an AI system to predict resistance patterns"
|
||||
- **Discovery**: "Our model achieves 87% accuracy, 20% better than existing methods"
|
||||
- **Impact**: "Could reduce treatment failures by identifying resistance earlier"
|
||||
|
||||
### 3. The 800-Word Maximum
|
||||
|
||||
**Word Count Guidelines**:
|
||||
- **Ideal**: 300-500 words
|
||||
- **Maximum**: 800 words
|
||||
- **Hard limit**: 1000 words (beyond this, poster is unreadable)
|
||||
|
||||
**Word Budget by Section**:
|
||||
| Section | Word Count | % of Total |
|
||||
|---------|-----------|------------|
|
||||
| Introduction/Background | 50-100 | 15% |
|
||||
| Methods | 100-150 | 25% |
|
||||
| Results (text) | 100-200 | 25% |
|
||||
| Discussion/Conclusions | 100-150 | 25% |
|
||||
| References/Acknowledgments | 50-100 | 10% |
|
||||
|
||||
**Counting Tool**:
|
||||
```latex
|
||||
% Add word count to poster (remove for final)
|
||||
\usepackage{texcount}
|
||||
% Compile with: texcount -inc poster.tex
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
### 4. Visual-to-Text Ratio
|
||||
|
||||
**Optimal Balance**: 40-50% visual content, 50-60% text+white space
|
||||
|
||||
**Visual Content Includes**:
|
||||
- Figures and graphs
|
||||
- Photos and images
|
||||
- Diagrams and flowcharts
|
||||
- Icons and symbols
|
||||
- Color blocks and design elements
|
||||
|
||||
**Too Text-Heavy** (❌):
|
||||
- Wall of text
|
||||
- Small figures
|
||||
- Intimidating to viewers
|
||||
- Low engagement
|
||||
|
||||
**Well-Balanced** (✅):
|
||||
- Clear figures dominate
|
||||
- Text supports visuals
|
||||
- Easy to scan
|
||||
- Inviting appearance
|
||||
|
||||
## Section-Specific Content Guidance
|
||||
|
||||
### Title
|
||||
|
||||
**Purpose**: Capture attention, convey topic, establish credibility
|
||||
|
||||
**Characteristics of Effective Titles**:
|
||||
- **Concise**: 10-15 words maximum
|
||||
- **Descriptive**: Clearly states research topic
|
||||
- **Active**: Uses strong verbs when possible
|
||||
- **Specific**: Avoids vague terms
|
||||
- **Jargon-aware**: Balances field-specific terms with accessibility
|
||||
|
||||
**Title Formulas**:
|
||||
|
||||
**1. Descriptive**:
|
||||
```
|
||||
[Method/Approach] for [Problem/Application]
|
||||
|
||||
Example: "Deep Learning for Early Detection of Alzheimer's Disease"
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**2. Question**:
|
||||
```
|
||||
[Research Question]?
|
||||
|
||||
Example: "Can Microbiome Diversity Predict Treatment Response?"
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**3. Assertion**:
|
||||
```
|
||||
[Finding] in [Context]
|
||||
|
||||
Example: "Novel Mechanism Identified in Drug Resistance Pathways"
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**4. Colon Format**:
|
||||
```
|
||||
[Topic]: [Specific Approach/Finding]
|
||||
|
||||
Example: "Urban Heat Islands: A Machine Learning Framework for Mitigation"
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**Avoid**:
|
||||
- ❌ Generic titles: "A Study of X"
|
||||
- ❌ Overly cute or clever wordplay (confuses message)
|
||||
- ❌ Excessive jargon: "Utilization of CRISPR-Cas9..."
|
||||
- ❌ Unnecessarily long: "Investigation of the potential role of..."
|
||||
|
||||
**LaTeX Title Formatting**:
|
||||
```latex
|
||||
% Emphasize key words with bold
|
||||
\title{Deep Learning for \textbf{Early Detection} of Alzheimer's Disease}
|
||||
|
||||
% Two-line titles for long names
|
||||
\title{Machine Learning Framework for\\Urban Heat Island Mitigation}
|
||||
|
||||
% Avoid ALL CAPS (harder to read)
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
### Authors and Affiliations
|
||||
|
||||
**Best Practices**:
|
||||
- **Presenting author**: Bold, underline, or asterisk
|
||||
- **Corresponding author**: Include email
|
||||
- **Affiliations**: Superscript numbers or symbols
|
||||
- **Institutional logos**: 2-4 maximum
|
||||
|
||||
**Format Examples**:
|
||||
```latex
|
||||
% Simple format
|
||||
\author{\textbf{Jane Smith}\textsuperscript{1}, John Doe\textsuperscript{2}}
|
||||
\institute{
|
||||
\textsuperscript{1}University of Example,
|
||||
\textsuperscript{2}Research Institute
|
||||
}
|
||||
|
||||
% With contact
|
||||
\author{Jane Smith\textsuperscript{1,*}}
|
||||
\institute{
|
||||
\textsuperscript{1}Department, University\\
|
||||
\textsuperscript{*}jane.smith@university.edu
|
||||
}
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
### Introduction/Background
|
||||
|
||||
**Purpose**: Establish context, motivate research, state objective
|
||||
|
||||
**Structure** (50-100 words):
|
||||
1. **Problem statement** (1-2 sentences): What's the issue?
|
||||
2. **Knowledge gap** (1-2 sentences): What's unknown/unsolved?
|
||||
3. **Research objective** (1 sentence): What did you do?
|
||||
|
||||
**Example** (95 words):
|
||||
```
|
||||
Antibiotic resistance causes 700,000 deaths annually, projected to reach
|
||||
10 million by 2050. Current diagnostic methods require 48-72 hours,
|
||||
delaying appropriate treatment. Machine learning offers potential for
|
||||
rapid resistance prediction, but existing models lack generalizability
|
||||
across bacterial species.
|
||||
|
||||
We developed a transformer-based deep learning model to predict antibiotic
|
||||
resistance from genomic sequences across multiple pathogen species. Our
|
||||
approach integrates evolutionary information and protein structure to
|
||||
improve cross-species accuracy.
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**Visual Support**:
|
||||
- Conceptual diagram showing problem
|
||||
- Infographic with statistics
|
||||
- Image of application context
|
||||
|
||||
**Common Mistakes**:
|
||||
- ❌ Extensive literature review
|
||||
- ❌ Too much background detail
|
||||
- ❌ Undefined acronyms at first use
|
||||
- ❌ Missing clear objective statement
|
||||
|
||||
### Methods
|
||||
|
||||
**Purpose**: Describe approach sufficiently for understanding (not replication)
|
||||
|
||||
**Key Question**: "How did you do it?" not "How could someone else replicate it?"
|
||||
|
||||
**Content Strategy**:
|
||||
- **Prioritize**: Visual methods diagram > text description
|
||||
- **Include**: Study design, key procedures, analysis approach
|
||||
- **Omit**: Detailed protocols, routine procedures, specific reagent details
|
||||
|
||||
**Visual Methods (Highly Recommended)**:
|
||||
```latex
|
||||
% Flowchart of study design
|
||||
\begin{tikzpicture}[node distance=2cm]
|
||||
\node (start) [box] {Data Collection\\n=1,000 samples};
|
||||
\node (process) [box, below of=start] {Preprocessing\\Quality Control};
|
||||
\node (analysis) [box, below of=process] {Statistical Analysis\\Mixed Models};
|
||||
\node (end) [box, below of=analysis] {Validation\\Independent Cohort};
|
||||
|
||||
\draw [arrow] (start) -- (process);
|
||||
\draw [arrow] (process) -- (analysis);
|
||||
\draw [arrow] (analysis) -- (end);
|
||||
\end{tikzpicture}
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**Text Methods** (50-150 words):
|
||||
|
||||
**For Experimental Studies**:
|
||||
```
|
||||
Methods
|
||||
• Study design: Randomized controlled trial (n=200)
|
||||
• Participants: Adults aged 18-65 with Type 2 diabetes
|
||||
• Intervention: 12-week exercise program vs. standard care
|
||||
• Outcomes: HbA1c (primary), insulin sensitivity (secondary)
|
||||
• Analysis: Linear mixed models, intention-to-treat
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**For Computational Studies**:
|
||||
```
|
||||
Methods
|
||||
• Dataset: 10,000 labeled images from ImageNet
|
||||
• Architecture: ResNet-50 with custom attention mechanism
|
||||
• Training: 100 epochs, Adam optimizer, learning rate 0.001
|
||||
• Validation: 5-fold cross-validation
|
||||
• Comparison: Baseline CNN, VGG-16, Inception-v3
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**Format Options**:
|
||||
- **Bullet points**: Quick scanning (recommended)
|
||||
- **Numbered list**: Sequential procedures
|
||||
- **Diagram + brief text**: Ideal combination
|
||||
- **Table**: Multiple conditions or parameters
|
||||
|
||||
### Results
|
||||
|
||||
**Purpose**: Present key findings visually and clearly
|
||||
|
||||
**Golden Rule**: Show, don't tell
|
||||
|
||||
**Content Allocation**:
|
||||
- **Figures**: 70-80% of Results section
|
||||
- **Text**: 20-30% (brief descriptions, statistics)
|
||||
|
||||
**How Many Results**:
|
||||
- **Ideal**: 3-5 main findings
|
||||
- **Maximum**: 6-7 distinct results
|
||||
- **Focus**: Primary outcomes, most impactful findings
|
||||
|
||||
**Figure Selection Criteria**:
|
||||
1. Does it support the main message?
|
||||
2. Is it self-explanatory with caption?
|
||||
3. Can it be understood in 10 seconds?
|
||||
4. Does it add information beyond text?
|
||||
|
||||
**Figure Captions**:
|
||||
- **Descriptive**: Explain what is shown
|
||||
- **Standalone**: Understandable without reading full poster
|
||||
- **Statistical**: Include significance indicators, sample sizes
|
||||
- **Concise**: 1-3 sentences
|
||||
|
||||
**Example Caption**:
|
||||
```latex
|
||||
\caption{Treatment significantly improved outcomes.
|
||||
Mean±SD shown for control (blue, n=45) and treatment (orange, n=47) groups.
|
||||
**p<0.01, ***p<0.001 (two-tailed t-test).}
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**Text Support for Results** (100-200 words):
|
||||
- State main finding per figure
|
||||
- Include key statistics
|
||||
- Note trends or patterns
|
||||
- Avoid detailed interpretation (save for Discussion)
|
||||
|
||||
**Example Results Text**:
|
||||
```
|
||||
Key Findings
|
||||
• Model achieved 87% accuracy on test set (vs. 73% baseline)
|
||||
• Performance consistent across 5 bacterial species (p<0.001)
|
||||
• Prediction speed: <30 seconds per isolate
|
||||
• Feature importance: protein structure (42%), sequence (35%),
|
||||
evolutionary conservation (23%)
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**Data Presentation Formats**:
|
||||
|
||||
**1. Bar Charts**: Comparing categories
|
||||
```latex
|
||||
\begin{tikzpicture}
|
||||
\begin{axis}[
|
||||
ybar,
|
||||
ylabel=Accuracy (\%),
|
||||
symbolic x coords={Baseline, Model A, Our Method},
|
||||
xtick=data,
|
||||
nodes near coords
|
||||
]
|
||||
\addplot coordinates {(Baseline,73) (Model A,81) (Our Method,87)};
|
||||
\end{axis}
|
||||
\end{tikzpicture}
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**2. Line Graphs**: Trends over time
|
||||
**3. Scatter Plots**: Correlations
|
||||
**4. Heatmaps**: Matrix data, clustering
|
||||
**5. Box Plots**: Distributions, comparisons
|
||||
**6. ROC Curves**: Classification performance
|
||||
|
||||
### Discussion/Conclusions
|
||||
|
||||
**Purpose**: Interpret findings, state implications, acknowledge limitations
|
||||
|
||||
**Structure** (100-150 words):
|
||||
|
||||
**1. Main Conclusions** (50-75 words):
|
||||
- 3-5 bullet points
|
||||
- Clear, specific takeaways
|
||||
- Linked to research objectives
|
||||
|
||||
**Example**:
|
||||
```
|
||||
Conclusions
|
||||
• First cross-species model for antibiotic resistance prediction
|
||||
achieving >85% accuracy
|
||||
• Protein structure integration critical for generalizability
|
||||
(improved accuracy by 14%)
|
||||
• Prediction speed enables clinical decision support within
|
||||
consultation timeframe
|
||||
• Potential to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use by 20-30%
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**2. Limitations** (25-50 words, optional but recommended):
|
||||
- Acknowledge key constraints
|
||||
- Brief, honest
|
||||
- Shows scientific rigor
|
||||
|
||||
**Example**:
|
||||
```
|
||||
Limitations
|
||||
• Training data limited to 5 bacterial species
|
||||
• Requires genomic sequencing (not widely available)
|
||||
• Validation needed in prospective clinical trials
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**3. Future Directions** (25-50 words, optional):
|
||||
- Next steps
|
||||
- Broader implications
|
||||
- Call to action
|
||||
|
||||
**Example**:
|
||||
```
|
||||
Next Steps
|
||||
• Expand to 20+ additional species
|
||||
• Develop point-of-care sequencing integration
|
||||
• Launch multi-center clinical validation study (2025)
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**Avoid**:
|
||||
- ❌ Overstating findings: "This revolutionary breakthrough..."
|
||||
- ❌ Extensive comparison to other work
|
||||
- ❌ New results in Discussion
|
||||
- ❌ Vague conclusions: "Further research is needed"
|
||||
|
||||
### References
|
||||
|
||||
**How Many**: 5-10 key citations
|
||||
|
||||
**Selection Criteria**:
|
||||
- Include seminal work in the field
|
||||
- Recent relevant studies (last 5 years)
|
||||
- Methods cited in your poster
|
||||
- Controversial claims that need support
|
||||
|
||||
**Format**: Abbreviated, consistent style
|
||||
|
||||
**Examples**:
|
||||
|
||||
**Numbered (Vancouver)**:
|
||||
```
|
||||
References
|
||||
1. Smith et al. (2023). Nature. 615:234-240.
|
||||
2. Jones & Lee (2024). Science. 383:112-118.
|
||||
3. Chen et al. (2022). Cell. 185:456-470.
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**Author-Year (APA)**:
|
||||
```
|
||||
References
|
||||
Smith, J. et al. (2023). Title. Nature, 615, 234-240.
|
||||
Jones, A., & Lee, B. (2024). Title. Science, 383, 112-118.
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**Minimal (For Space Constraints)**:
|
||||
```
|
||||
Key References: Smith (Nature 2023), Jones (Science 2024),
|
||||
Chen (Cell 2022). Full bibliography: [QR Code]
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**Alternative**: QR code linking to full reference list
|
||||
|
||||
### Acknowledgments
|
||||
|
||||
**Include**:
|
||||
- Funding sources (with grant numbers)
|
||||
- Major collaborators
|
||||
- Core facilities used
|
||||
- Dataset sources
|
||||
|
||||
**Format** (25-50 words):
|
||||
```
|
||||
Acknowledgments
|
||||
Funded by NIH Grant R01-123456 and NSF Award 7890123.
|
||||
We thank Dr. X for data access, the Y Core Facility for
|
||||
sequencing, and Z for helpful discussions.
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
### Contact Information
|
||||
|
||||
**Essential Elements**:
|
||||
- Name of presenting/corresponding author
|
||||
- Email address
|
||||
- Optional: Lab website, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, ORCID
|
||||
|
||||
**Format**:
|
||||
```
|
||||
Contact: Jane Smith, jane.smith@university.edu
|
||||
Lab: smithlab.university.edu | Twitter: @smithlab
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**QR Code Alternative**:
|
||||
- Link to personal/lab website
|
||||
- Link to paper preprint/publication
|
||||
- Link to code repository (GitHub)
|
||||
- Link to supplementary materials
|
||||
|
||||
## Writing Style for Posters
|
||||
|
||||
### Active vs. Passive Voice
|
||||
|
||||
**Prefer Active Voice** (more engaging, clearer):
|
||||
- ✅ "We developed a model..."
|
||||
- ✅ "The treatment reduced symptoms..."
|
||||
|
||||
**Passive Voice** (when appropriate):
|
||||
- ✅ "Samples were collected from..."
|
||||
- ✅ "Data were analyzed using..."
|
||||
|
||||
### Sentence Length
|
||||
|
||||
**Keep Sentences Short**:
|
||||
- **Ideal**: 10-15 words per sentence
|
||||
- **Maximum**: 20-25 words
|
||||
- **Avoid**: >30 words (hard to follow)
|
||||
|
||||
**Example Revision**:
|
||||
- ❌ Long: "We performed a comprehensive analysis of gene expression data from 500 patients with colorectal cancer using RNA sequencing and identified 47 differentially expressed genes associated with treatment response." (31 words)
|
||||
- ✅ Short: "We analyzed RNA sequencing data from 500 colorectal cancer patients. We identified 47 genes associated with treatment response." (19 words total, two sentences)
|
||||
|
||||
### Bullet Points vs. Paragraphs
|
||||
|
||||
**Use Bullet Points For**:
|
||||
- ✅ Lists of items or findings
|
||||
- ✅ Key conclusions
|
||||
- ✅ Methods steps
|
||||
- ✅ Study characteristics
|
||||
|
||||
**Use Short Paragraphs For**:
|
||||
- ✅ Narrative flow (Introduction)
|
||||
- ✅ Complex explanations
|
||||
- ✅ Connected ideas
|
||||
|
||||
**Bullet Point Best Practices**:
|
||||
- Start with action verbs or nouns
|
||||
- Parallel structure throughout list
|
||||
- 3-7 bullets per list (not too many)
|
||||
- Brief (1-2 lines each)
|
||||
|
||||
**Example**:
|
||||
```
|
||||
Methods
|
||||
• Participants: 200 adults (18-65 years)
|
||||
• Design: Double-blind RCT (12 weeks)
|
||||
• Intervention: Daily 30-min exercise
|
||||
• Control: Standard care
|
||||
• Analysis: Mixed models (SPSS v.28)
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
### Acronyms and Jargon
|
||||
|
||||
**First Use Rule**: Define at first appearance
|
||||
```
|
||||
We used machine learning (ML) to analyze... Later, ML predicted...
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**Common Acronyms**: May not need definition if universal to field
|
||||
- DNA, RNA, MRI, CT, PCR (in biomedical context)
|
||||
- AI, ML, CNN (in computer science context)
|
||||
|
||||
**Avoid Excessive Jargon**:
|
||||
- ❌ "Utilized" → ✅ "Used"
|
||||
- ❌ "Implement utilization of" → ✅ "Use"
|
||||
- ❌ "A majority of" → ✅ "Most"
|
||||
|
||||
### Numbers and Statistics
|
||||
|
||||
**Present Statistics Clearly**:
|
||||
- Always include measure of variability (SD, SE, CI)
|
||||
- Report sample sizes: n=50
|
||||
- Indicate significance: p<0.05, p<0.01, p<0.001
|
||||
- Use symbols consistently: * for p<0.05, ** for p<0.01
|
||||
|
||||
**Format Numbers**:
|
||||
- Round appropriately (avoid false precision)
|
||||
- Use consistent decimal places
|
||||
- Include units: 25 mg/dL, 37°C
|
||||
- Large numbers: 1,000 or 1000 (be consistent)
|
||||
|
||||
**Example**:
|
||||
```
|
||||
Treatment increased response by 23.5% (95% CI: 18.2-28.8%, p<0.001, n=150)
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
## Visual-Text Integration
|
||||
|
||||
### Figure-Text Relationship
|
||||
|
||||
**Figure First, Text Second**:
|
||||
1. Design poster around key figures
|
||||
2. Add text to support and explain visuals
|
||||
3. Ensure figures can stand alone
|
||||
|
||||
**Text Placement Relative to Figures**:
|
||||
- **Above**: Context, "What you're about to see"
|
||||
- **Below**: Explanation, statistics, caption
|
||||
- **Beside**: Comparison, interpretation
|
||||
|
||||
### Callouts and Annotations
|
||||
|
||||
**On-Figure Annotations**:
|
||||
```latex
|
||||
\begin{tikzpicture}
|
||||
\node[inner sep=0] (img) {\includegraphics[width=10cm]{figure.pdf}};
|
||||
\draw[->, thick, red] (8,5) -- (6,3) node[left] {Key region};
|
||||
\draw[red, thick] (3,2) circle (1cm) node[above=1.2cm] {Anomaly};
|
||||
\end{tikzpicture}
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**Callout Boxes**:
|
||||
```latex
|
||||
\begin{tcolorbox}[colback=yellow!10, colframe=orange!80,
|
||||
title=Key Finding]
|
||||
Our method reduces errors by 34\% compared to state-of-the-art.
|
||||
\end{tcolorbox}
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
### Icons for Section Headers
|
||||
|
||||
**Visual Section Markers**:
|
||||
```latex
|
||||
\usepackage{fontawesome5}
|
||||
|
||||
\block{\faFlask~Introduction}{...}
|
||||
\block{\faCog~Methods}{...}
|
||||
\block{\faChartBar~Results}{...}
|
||||
\block{\faLightbulb~Conclusions}{...}
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
## Content Adaptation Strategies
|
||||
|
||||
### From Paper to Poster
|
||||
|
||||
**Condensation Process**:
|
||||
|
||||
**1. Identify Core Message** (The Elevator Pitch):
|
||||
- What's the one thing you want people to remember?
|
||||
- If you had 30 seconds, what would you say?
|
||||
|
||||
**2. Select Key Results**:
|
||||
- Choose 3-5 most impactful findings
|
||||
- Omit supporting/secondary results
|
||||
- Focus on figures with strong visual impact
|
||||
|
||||
**3. Simplify Methods**:
|
||||
- Visual flowchart > text description
|
||||
- Omit routine procedures
|
||||
- Include only essential parameters
|
||||
|
||||
**4. Trim Literature Review**:
|
||||
- One sentence background
|
||||
- One sentence gap/motivation
|
||||
- One sentence your contribution
|
||||
|
||||
**5. Condense Discussion**:
|
||||
- Main conclusions only
|
||||
- Brief limitations
|
||||
- One sentence future direction
|
||||
|
||||
### For Different Audiences
|
||||
|
||||
**Specialist Audience** (Same Field):
|
||||
- Can use field-specific jargon
|
||||
- Less background needed
|
||||
- Focus on novel methodology
|
||||
- Emphasize nuanced findings
|
||||
|
||||
**General Scientific Audience**:
|
||||
- Define key terms
|
||||
- More context/background
|
||||
- Broader implications
|
||||
- Visual metaphors helpful
|
||||
|
||||
**Public/Lay Audience**:
|
||||
- Minimal jargon, all defined
|
||||
- Extensive context
|
||||
- Real-world applications
|
||||
- Analogies and simple language
|
||||
|
||||
**Example Adaptation**:
|
||||
|
||||
**Specialist**: "CRISPR-Cas9 knockout of BRCA1 induced synthetic lethality with PARP inhibitors"
|
||||
|
||||
**General**: "We used gene editing to make cancer cells vulnerable to existing drugs"
|
||||
|
||||
**Public**: "We found a way to make cancer treatments work better by targeting specific genetic weaknesses"
|
||||
|
||||
## Quality Control Checklist
|
||||
|
||||
### Content Review
|
||||
|
||||
**Clarity**:
|
||||
- [ ] Main message immediately clear
|
||||
- [ ] All acronyms defined
|
||||
- [ ] Sentences short and direct
|
||||
- [ ] No unnecessary jargon
|
||||
|
||||
**Completeness**:
|
||||
- [ ] Research question/objective stated
|
||||
- [ ] Methods sufficiently described
|
||||
- [ ] Key results presented
|
||||
- [ ] Conclusions drawn
|
||||
- [ ] Limitations acknowledged
|
||||
|
||||
**Accuracy**:
|
||||
- [ ] All statistics correct
|
||||
- [ ] Figure captions accurate
|
||||
- [ ] References properly cited
|
||||
- [ ] No overstated claims
|
||||
|
||||
**Engagement**:
|
||||
- [ ] Compelling title
|
||||
- [ ] Visual interest
|
||||
- [ ] Clear take-home message
|
||||
- [ ] Conversation starters
|
||||
|
||||
### Readability Testing
|
||||
|
||||
**Distance Test**:
|
||||
- Print at 25% scale
|
||||
- View from 2-3 feet (simulates 8-12 feet for full poster)
|
||||
- Can you read: Title? Section headers? Body text?
|
||||
|
||||
**Scan Test**:
|
||||
- Give poster to colleague for 30 seconds
|
||||
- Ask: "What is this poster about?"
|
||||
- They should identify: Topic, approach, main finding
|
||||
|
||||
**Detail Test**:
|
||||
- Ask colleague to read poster thoroughly (5 min)
|
||||
- Ask: "What are the key conclusions?"
|
||||
- Verify understanding matches your intent
|
||||
|
||||
## Common Content Mistakes
|
||||
|
||||
**1. Too Much Text**
|
||||
- ❌ >1000 words
|
||||
- ❌ Long paragraphs
|
||||
- ❌ Full paper condensed
|
||||
- ✅ 300-800 words, bullet points, key findings only
|
||||
|
||||
**2. Unclear Message**
|
||||
- ❌ Multiple unrelated findings
|
||||
- ❌ No clear conclusion
|
||||
- ❌ Vague implications
|
||||
- ✅ 1-3 main points, explicit conclusions
|
||||
|
||||
**3. Methods Overkill**
|
||||
- ❌ Detailed protocols
|
||||
- ❌ All parameters listed
|
||||
- ❌ Routine procedures described
|
||||
- ✅ Visual flowchart, key details only
|
||||
|
||||
**4. Poor Figure Integration**
|
||||
- ❌ Figures without context
|
||||
- ❌ Unclear captions
|
||||
- ❌ Text doesn't reference figures
|
||||
- ✅ Figures central, well-captioned, text integrated
|
||||
|
||||
**5. Missing Context**
|
||||
- ❌ No background
|
||||
- ❌ Undefined acronyms
|
||||
- ❌ Assumes expert knowledge
|
||||
- ✅ Brief context, definitions, accessible to broader audience
|
||||
|
||||
## Conclusion
|
||||
|
||||
Effective poster content:
|
||||
- **Concise**: 300-800 words maximum
|
||||
- **Visual**: 40-50% figures and graphics
|
||||
- **Clear**: One main message, 3-5 key findings
|
||||
- **Engaging**: Compelling story, not just facts
|
||||
- **Accessible**: Appropriate for target audience
|
||||
- **Actionable**: Clear implications and next steps
|
||||
|
||||
Remember: Your poster is a conversation starter, not a comprehensive treatise. Design content to intrigue, engage, and invite discussion.
|
||||
|
||||
806
skills/latex-posters/references/poster_design_principles.md
Normal file
806
skills/latex-posters/references/poster_design_principles.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,806 @@
|
||||
# Research Poster Design Principles
|
||||
|
||||
## Overview
|
||||
|
||||
Effective poster design balances visual appeal, readability, and scientific content. This guide covers typography, color theory, visual hierarchy, accessibility, and evidence-based design principles for research posters.
|
||||
|
||||
## Core Design Principles
|
||||
|
||||
### 1. Visual Hierarchy
|
||||
|
||||
Guide viewers through content in logical order using size, color, position, and contrast.
|
||||
|
||||
**Hierarchy Levels**:
|
||||
|
||||
1. **Primary (Title)**: Largest, most prominent
|
||||
- Size: 72-120pt
|
||||
- Position: Top center or top spanning
|
||||
- Weight: Bold
|
||||
- Purpose: Capture attention from 20+ feet
|
||||
|
||||
2. **Secondary (Section Headers)**: Organize content
|
||||
- Size: 48-72pt
|
||||
- Weight: Bold or semi-bold
|
||||
- Purpose: Section navigation, readable from 10 feet
|
||||
|
||||
3. **Tertiary (Body Text)**: Main content
|
||||
- Size: 24-36pt minimum
|
||||
- Weight: Regular
|
||||
- Purpose: Detailed information, readable from 4-6 feet
|
||||
|
||||
4. **Quaternary (Captions, References)**: Supporting info
|
||||
- Size: 18-24pt
|
||||
- Weight: Regular or light
|
||||
- Purpose: Context and attribution
|
||||
|
||||
**Implementation**:
|
||||
```latex
|
||||
% Define hierarchy in LaTeX
|
||||
\setbeamerfont{title}{size=\VeryHuge,series=\bfseries} % 90pt+
|
||||
\setbeamerfont{block title}{size=\Huge,series=\bfseries} % 60pt
|
||||
\setbeamerfont{block body}{size=\LARGE} % 30pt
|
||||
\setbeamerfont{caption}{size=\large} % 24pt
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
### 2. White Space (Negative Space)
|
||||
|
||||
Empty space is not wasted space—it enhances readability and guides attention.
|
||||
|
||||
**White Space Functions**:
|
||||
- **Breathing room**: Prevents overwhelming viewers
|
||||
- **Grouping**: Shows which elements belong together
|
||||
- **Focus**: Draws attention to important elements
|
||||
- **Flow**: Creates visual pathways through content
|
||||
|
||||
**Guidelines**:
|
||||
- Minimum 5-10% margins on all sides
|
||||
- Consistent spacing between blocks (1-2cm)
|
||||
- Space around figures equal to or greater than border width
|
||||
- Group related items closely, separate unrelated items
|
||||
- Don't fill every inch—aim for 40-60% text coverage
|
||||
|
||||
**LaTeX Implementation**:
|
||||
```latex
|
||||
% beamerposter spacing
|
||||
\setbeamertemplate{block begin}{
|
||||
\vskip2ex % Space before block
|
||||
...
|
||||
}
|
||||
|
||||
% tikzposter spacing
|
||||
\documentclass[..., blockverticalspace=15mm, colspace=15mm]{tikzposter}
|
||||
|
||||
% Manual spacing
|
||||
\vspace{2cm} % Vertical space
|
||||
\hspace{1cm} % Horizontal space
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
### 3. Alignment and Grid Systems
|
||||
|
||||
Proper alignment creates professional, organized appearance.
|
||||
|
||||
**Alignment Types**:
|
||||
- **Left-aligned text**: Most readable for body text (Western audiences)
|
||||
- **Center-aligned**: Headers, titles, symmetric layouts
|
||||
- **Right-aligned**: Rarely used, special cases only
|
||||
- **Justified**: Avoid (creates uneven spacing)
|
||||
|
||||
**Grid Systems**:
|
||||
- **2-column**: Simple, traditional, good for narrative flow
|
||||
- **3-column**: Most common, balanced, versatile
|
||||
- **4-column**: Complex, information-dense, requires careful design
|
||||
- **Asymmetric**: Creative, modern, requires expertise
|
||||
|
||||
**Best Practices**:
|
||||
- Align block edges to invisible grid lines
|
||||
- Keep consistent column widths (unless intentionally asymmetric)
|
||||
- Align similar elements (all figures, all text blocks)
|
||||
- Use consistent margins throughout
|
||||
|
||||
### 4. Visual Flow and Reading Patterns
|
||||
|
||||
Design for natural eye movement and logical content progression.
|
||||
|
||||
**Common Reading Patterns**:
|
||||
|
||||
**Z-Pattern (Landscape posters)**:
|
||||
```
|
||||
Start → → → Top Right
|
||||
↓
|
||||
Middle Left → → Middle
|
||||
↓
|
||||
Bottom Left → → → End
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**F-Pattern (Portrait posters)**:
|
||||
```
|
||||
Title → → → →
|
||||
↓
|
||||
Section 1 → →
|
||||
↓
|
||||
Section 2 → →
|
||||
↓
|
||||
Section 3 → →
|
||||
↓
|
||||
Conclusion → →
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**Gutenberg Diagram**:
|
||||
```
|
||||
Primary Area Strong Fallow
|
||||
(top-left) (top-right)
|
||||
↓ ↓
|
||||
Weak Fallow Terminal Area
|
||||
(bottom-left) (bottom-right)
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**Implementation Strategy**:
|
||||
1. Place most important content in "hot zones" (top-left, center)
|
||||
2. Create visual paths with arrows, lines, or color
|
||||
3. Use numbering for sequential information (Methods steps)
|
||||
4. Design left-to-right, top-to-bottom flow (Western audiences)
|
||||
5. Position conclusions prominently (bottom-right is natural endpoint)
|
||||
|
||||
## Typography
|
||||
|
||||
### Font Selection
|
||||
|
||||
**Recommended Fonts**:
|
||||
|
||||
**Sans-Serif (Recommended for posters)**:
|
||||
- **Helvetica**: Clean, professional, widely available
|
||||
- **Arial**: Similar to Helvetica, universal compatibility
|
||||
- **Calibri**: Modern, friendly, good readability
|
||||
- **Open Sans**: Contemporary, excellent web and print
|
||||
- **Roboto**: Modern, Google design, highly readable
|
||||
- **Lato**: Warm, professional, works at all sizes
|
||||
|
||||
**Serif (Use sparingly)**:
|
||||
- **Times New Roman**: Traditional, formal
|
||||
- **Garamond**: Elegant, good for humanities
|
||||
- **Georgia**: Designed for screens, readable
|
||||
|
||||
**Avoid**:
|
||||
- ❌ Comic Sans (unprofessional)
|
||||
- ❌ Decorative or script fonts (illegible from distance)
|
||||
- ❌ Mixing more than 2-3 font families
|
||||
|
||||
**LaTeX Implementation**:
|
||||
```latex
|
||||
% Helvetica (sans-serif)
|
||||
\usepackage{helvet}
|
||||
\renewcommand{\familydefault}{\sfdefault}
|
||||
|
||||
% Arial-like
|
||||
\usepackage{avant}
|
||||
\renewcommand{\familydefault}{\sfdefault}
|
||||
|
||||
% Modern fonts with fontspec (requires LuaLaTeX/XeLaTeX)
|
||||
\usepackage{fontspec}
|
||||
\setmainfont{Helvetica Neue}
|
||||
\setsansfont{Open Sans}
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
### Font Sizing
|
||||
|
||||
**Absolute Minimum Sizes** (readable from 4-6 feet):
|
||||
- Title: 72pt+ (85-120pt recommended)
|
||||
- Section headers: 48-72pt
|
||||
- Body text: 24-36pt (30pt+ recommended)
|
||||
- Captions/small text: 18-24pt
|
||||
- References: 16-20pt minimum
|
||||
|
||||
**Testing Readability**:
|
||||
- Print at 25% scale
|
||||
- Read from 2-3 feet distance
|
||||
- If legible, full-scale poster will be readable from 8-12 feet
|
||||
|
||||
**Size Conversion**:
|
||||
| LaTeX Command | Approximate Size | Use Case |
|
||||
|---------------|------------------|----------|
|
||||
| `\tiny` | 10pt | Avoid on posters |
|
||||
| `\small` | 16pt | Minimal use only |
|
||||
| `\normalsize` | 20pt | References (scaled up) |
|
||||
| `\large` | 24pt | Captions, small text |
|
||||
| `\Large` | 28pt | Body text (minimum) |
|
||||
| `\LARGE` | 32pt | Body text (recommended) |
|
||||
| `\huge` | 36pt | Subheadings |
|
||||
| `\Huge` | 48pt | Section headers |
|
||||
| `\VeryHuge` | 72pt+ | Title |
|
||||
|
||||
### Text Formatting Best Practices
|
||||
|
||||
**Use**:
|
||||
- ✅ **Bold** for emphasis and headers
|
||||
- ✅ Short paragraphs (3-5 lines maximum)
|
||||
- ✅ Bullet points for lists
|
||||
- ✅ Adequate line spacing (1.2-1.5)
|
||||
- ✅ High contrast (dark text on light background)
|
||||
|
||||
**Avoid**:
|
||||
- ❌ Italics from distance (hard to read)
|
||||
- ❌ ALL CAPS FOR LONG TEXT (SLOW TO READ)
|
||||
- ❌ Underlines (old-fashioned, interferes with descenders)
|
||||
- ❌ Long paragraphs (> 6 lines)
|
||||
- ❌ Light text on light backgrounds
|
||||
|
||||
**Line Spacing**:
|
||||
```latex
|
||||
% Increase line spacing for readability
|
||||
\usepackage{setspace}
|
||||
\setstretch{1.3} % 1.3x normal spacing
|
||||
|
||||
% Or in specific blocks
|
||||
\begin{spacing}{1.5}
|
||||
Your text here with extra spacing
|
||||
\end{spacing}
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
## Color Theory for Posters
|
||||
|
||||
### Color Psychology and Meaning
|
||||
|
||||
Colors convey meaning and affect viewer perception:
|
||||
|
||||
| Color | Associations | Use Cases |
|
||||
|-------|--------------|-----------|
|
||||
| **Blue** | Trust, professionalism, science | Academic, medical, technology |
|
||||
| **Green** | Nature, health, growth | Environmental, biology, health |
|
||||
| **Red** | Energy, urgency, passion | Attention, warnings, bold statements |
|
||||
| **Orange** | Creativity, enthusiasm | Innovative research, friendly approach |
|
||||
| **Purple** | Wisdom, creativity, luxury | Humanities, arts, premium research |
|
||||
| **Gray** | Neutral, professional, modern | Technology, minimal designs |
|
||||
| **Yellow** | Optimism, attention, caution | Highlights, energy, caution areas |
|
||||
|
||||
### Color Scheme Types
|
||||
|
||||
**1. Monochromatic**: Variations of single hue
|
||||
- **Pros**: Harmonious, professional, easy to execute
|
||||
- **Cons**: Can be boring, less visual interest
|
||||
- **Use**: Conservative conferences, institutional branding
|
||||
|
||||
```latex
|
||||
% Monochromatic blue scheme
|
||||
\definecolor{darkblue}{RGB}{0,51,102}
|
||||
\definecolor{medblue}{RGB}{51,102,153}
|
||||
\definecolor{lightblue}{RGB}{204,229,255}
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**2. Analogous**: Adjacent colors on color wheel
|
||||
- **Pros**: Harmonious, visually comfortable
|
||||
- **Cons**: Low contrast, may lack excitement
|
||||
- **Use**: Nature/biology topics, smooth gradients
|
||||
|
||||
```latex
|
||||
% Analogous blue-green scheme
|
||||
\definecolor{blue}{RGB}{0,102,204}
|
||||
\definecolor{teal}{RGB}{0,153,153}
|
||||
\definecolor{green}{RGB}{51,153,102}
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**3. Complementary**: Opposite colors on wheel
|
||||
- **Pros**: High contrast, vibrant, energetic
|
||||
- **Cons**: Can be overwhelming if intense
|
||||
- **Use**: Drawing attention, modern designs
|
||||
|
||||
```latex
|
||||
% Complementary blue-orange scheme
|
||||
\definecolor{primary}{RGB}{0,71,171} % Blue
|
||||
\definecolor{accent}{RGB}{255,127,0} % Orange
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**4. Triadic**: Three evenly spaced colors
|
||||
- **Pros**: Balanced, vibrant, visually rich
|
||||
- **Cons**: Can appear busy if not balanced
|
||||
- **Use**: Multi-topic posters, creative fields
|
||||
|
||||
```latex
|
||||
% Triadic scheme
|
||||
\definecolor{blue}{RGB}{0,102,204}
|
||||
\definecolor{red}{RGB}{204,0,51}
|
||||
\definecolor{yellow}{RGB}{255,204,0}
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**5. Split-Complementary**: Base + two adjacent to complement
|
||||
- **Pros**: High contrast but less tense than complementary
|
||||
- **Cons**: Complex to balance
|
||||
- **Use**: Sophisticated designs, experienced designers
|
||||
|
||||
### High-Contrast Combinations
|
||||
|
||||
Ensure readability with sufficient contrast:
|
||||
|
||||
**Excellent Contrast (Use these)**:
|
||||
- Dark blue on white
|
||||
- Black on white
|
||||
- White on dark blue/green/purple
|
||||
- Dark gray on light yellow
|
||||
- Black on light cyan
|
||||
|
||||
**Poor Contrast (Avoid)**:
|
||||
- ❌ Red on green (color-blind issue)
|
||||
- ❌ Yellow on white
|
||||
- ❌ Light gray on white
|
||||
- ❌ Blue on black (hard to read)
|
||||
- ❌ Any pure colors on each other
|
||||
|
||||
**Contrast Ratio Standards**:
|
||||
- Minimum: 4.5:1 (WCAG AA)
|
||||
- Recommended: 7:1 (WCAG AAA)
|
||||
- Test at: https://webaim.org/resources/contrastchecker/
|
||||
|
||||
**LaTeX Color Contrast**:
|
||||
```latex
|
||||
% High contrast header
|
||||
\setbeamercolor{block title}{bg=black, fg=white}
|
||||
|
||||
% Medium contrast body
|
||||
\setbeamercolor{block body}{bg=gray!10, fg=black}
|
||||
|
||||
% Check contrast manually or use online tools
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
### Color-Blind Friendly Palettes
|
||||
|
||||
~8% of males and ~0.5% of females have color vision deficiency.
|
||||
|
||||
**Safe Color Combinations**:
|
||||
- Blue + Orange (most universally distinguishable)
|
||||
- Blue + Yellow
|
||||
- Blue + Red
|
||||
- Purple + Green (use with caution)
|
||||
|
||||
**Avoid**:
|
||||
- ❌ Red + Green (indistinguishable to most common color blindness)
|
||||
- ❌ Green + Brown
|
||||
- ❌ Blue + Purple (can be problematic)
|
||||
- ❌ Light green + Yellow
|
||||
|
||||
**Recommended Palettes**:
|
||||
|
||||
**IBM Color Blind Safe** (excellent accessibility):
|
||||
```latex
|
||||
\definecolor{ibmblue}{RGB}{100,143,255}
|
||||
\definecolor{ibmmagenta}{RGB}{254,97,0}
|
||||
\definecolor{ibmpurple}{RGB}{220,38,127}
|
||||
\definecolor{ibmcyan}{RGB}{33,191,115}
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**Okabe-Ito Palette** (scientifically tested):
|
||||
```latex
|
||||
\definecolor{okorange}{RGB}{230,159,0}
|
||||
\definecolor{okskyblue}{RGB}{86,180,233}
|
||||
\definecolor{okgreen}{RGB}{0,158,115}
|
||||
\definecolor{okyellow}{RGB}{240,228,66}
|
||||
\definecolor{okblue}{RGB}{0,114,178}
|
||||
\definecolor{okvermillion}{RGB}{213,94,0}
|
||||
\definecolor{okpurple}{RGB}{204,121,167}
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**Paul Tol's Bright Palette**:
|
||||
```latex
|
||||
\definecolor{tolblue}{RGB}{68,119,170}
|
||||
\definecolor{tolred}{RGB}{204,102,119}
|
||||
\definecolor{tolgreen}{RGB}{34,136,51}
|
||||
\definecolor{tolyellow}{RGB}{238,221,136}
|
||||
\definecolor{tolcyan}{RGB}{102,204,238}
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
### Institutional Branding
|
||||
|
||||
Match university or department colors:
|
||||
|
||||
```latex
|
||||
% Example: Stanford colors
|
||||
\definecolor{stanford-red}{RGB}{140,21,21}
|
||||
\definecolor{stanford-gray}{RGB}{83,86,90}
|
||||
|
||||
% Example: MIT colors
|
||||
\definecolor{mit-red}{RGB}{163,31,52}
|
||||
\definecolor{mit-gray}{RGB}{138,139,140}
|
||||
|
||||
% Example: Cambridge colors
|
||||
\definecolor{cambridge-blue}{RGB}{163,193,173}
|
||||
\definecolor{cambridge-lblue}{RGB}{212,239,223}
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
## Accessibility Considerations
|
||||
|
||||
### Universal Design Principles
|
||||
|
||||
Design posters usable by the widest range of people:
|
||||
|
||||
**1. Visual Accessibility**:
|
||||
- High contrast text (minimum 4.5:1 ratio)
|
||||
- Large font sizes (24pt+ body text)
|
||||
- Color-blind safe palettes
|
||||
- Clear visual hierarchy
|
||||
- Avoid relying solely on color to convey information
|
||||
|
||||
**2. Cognitive Accessibility**:
|
||||
- Clear, simple language
|
||||
- Logical organization
|
||||
- Consistent layout
|
||||
- Visual cues for navigation (arrows, numbers)
|
||||
- Avoid clutter and information overload
|
||||
|
||||
**3. Physical Accessibility**:
|
||||
- Position critical content at wheelchair-accessible height (3-5 feet)
|
||||
- Include QR codes to digital versions
|
||||
- Provide printed handouts for detail viewing
|
||||
- Consider lighting and reflection in poster material choice
|
||||
|
||||
### Alternative Text and Descriptions
|
||||
|
||||
Make posters accessible to screen readers (for digital versions):
|
||||
|
||||
```latex
|
||||
% Add alt text to figures
|
||||
\includegraphics[width=\linewidth]{figure.pdf}
|
||||
% Alternative: Include detailed caption
|
||||
\caption{Bar graph showing mean±SD of treatment outcomes.
|
||||
Control group (blue): 45±5\%; Treatment group (orange): 78±6\%.
|
||||
Asterisks indicate significance: *p<0.05, **p<0.01.}
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
### Multi-Modal Information
|
||||
|
||||
Don't rely on single sensory channel:
|
||||
|
||||
**Use Redundant Encoding**:
|
||||
- Color + Shape (not just color for categories)
|
||||
- Color + Pattern (hatching, stippling)
|
||||
- Color + Label (text labels on graph elements)
|
||||
- Text + Icons (visual + verbal)
|
||||
|
||||
**Example**:
|
||||
```latex
|
||||
% Good: Color + shape + label
|
||||
\begin{tikzpicture}
|
||||
\draw[fill=blue, circle] (0,0) circle (0.3) node[right] {Male: 45\%};
|
||||
\draw[fill=red, rectangle] (0,-1) rectangle (0.6,-0.4) node[right] {Female: 55\%};
|
||||
\end{tikzpicture}
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
## Layout Composition
|
||||
|
||||
### Rule of Thirds
|
||||
|
||||
Divide poster into 3×3 grid; place key elements at intersections:
|
||||
|
||||
```
|
||||
+-----+-----+-----+
|
||||
| × | | × | ← Top third (title, logos)
|
||||
+-----+-----+-----+
|
||||
| | × | | ← Middle third (main content)
|
||||
+-----+-----+-----+
|
||||
| × | | × | ← Bottom third (conclusions)
|
||||
+-----+-----+-----+
|
||||
↑ ↑
|
||||
Left Right
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**Power Points** (intersections):
|
||||
- Top-left: Primary section start
|
||||
- Top-right: Logos, QR codes
|
||||
- Center: Key figure or main result
|
||||
- Bottom-right: Conclusions, contact
|
||||
|
||||
### Balance and Symmetry
|
||||
|
||||
**Symmetric Layouts**:
|
||||
- Formal, traditional, stable
|
||||
- Easy to design
|
||||
- Can appear static or boring
|
||||
- Good for conservative audiences
|
||||
|
||||
**Asymmetric Layouts**:
|
||||
- Dynamic, modern, interesting
|
||||
- Harder to execute well
|
||||
- More visually engaging
|
||||
- Good for creative fields
|
||||
|
||||
**Visual Weight Balance**:
|
||||
- Large elements = heavy weight
|
||||
- Dark colors = heavy weight
|
||||
- Dense text = heavy weight
|
||||
- Distribute weight evenly across poster
|
||||
|
||||
### Proximity and Grouping
|
||||
|
||||
**Gestalt Principles**:
|
||||
|
||||
**Proximity**: Items close together are perceived as related
|
||||
```
|
||||
[Introduction] [Methods]
|
||||
|
||||
[Results] [Discussion]
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**Similarity**: Similar items are perceived as grouped
|
||||
- Use consistent colors for related sections
|
||||
- Same border styles for similar content types
|
||||
|
||||
**Continuity**: Eyes follow lines and paths
|
||||
- Use arrows to guide through methods
|
||||
- Align elements to create invisible lines
|
||||
|
||||
**Closure**: Mind completes incomplete shapes
|
||||
- Use partial borders to group without boxing in
|
||||
|
||||
## Visual Elements
|
||||
|
||||
### Icons and Graphics
|
||||
|
||||
Strategic use of icons enhances comprehension:
|
||||
|
||||
**Benefits**:
|
||||
- Universal language (crosses linguistic barriers)
|
||||
- Faster processing than text
|
||||
- Adds visual interest
|
||||
- Clarifies concepts
|
||||
|
||||
**Best Practices**:
|
||||
- Use consistent style (all line, all filled, all flat)
|
||||
- Appropriate size (1-3cm typical)
|
||||
- Label ambiguous icons
|
||||
- Source: Font Awesome, Noun Project, academic icon sets
|
||||
|
||||
**LaTeX Implementation**:
|
||||
```latex
|
||||
% Font Awesome icons
|
||||
\usepackage{fontawesome5}
|
||||
\faFlask{} Methods \quad \faChartBar{} Results
|
||||
|
||||
% Custom icons with TikZ
|
||||
\begin{tikzpicture}
|
||||
\node[circle, draw, thick, minimum size=1cm] {\Huge \faAtom};
|
||||
\end{tikzpicture}
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
### Borders and Dividers
|
||||
|
||||
**Use Borders To**:
|
||||
- Define sections
|
||||
- Group related content
|
||||
- Add visual interest
|
||||
- Match institutional branding
|
||||
|
||||
**Border Styles**:
|
||||
- Solid lines: Traditional, formal
|
||||
- Dashed lines: Informal, secondary info
|
||||
- Rounded corners: Friendly, modern
|
||||
- Drop shadows: Depth, modern (use sparingly)
|
||||
|
||||
**Guidelines**:
|
||||
- Keep consistent width (2-5pt typical)
|
||||
- Use sparingly (not every element needs a border)
|
||||
- Match border color to content or theme
|
||||
- Ensure sufficient padding inside borders
|
||||
|
||||
```latex
|
||||
% tikzposter borders
|
||||
\usecolorstyle{Denmark}
|
||||
\tikzposterlatexaffectionproofoff % Remove bottom-right logo
|
||||
|
||||
% Custom border style
|
||||
\defineblockstyle{CustomBlock}{
|
||||
titlewidthscale=1, bodywidthscale=1, titleleft,
|
||||
titleoffsetx=0pt, titleoffsety=0pt, bodyoffsetx=0pt, bodyoffsety=0pt,
|
||||
bodyverticalshift=0pt, roundedcorners=10, linewidth=2pt,
|
||||
titleinnersep=8mm, bodyinnersep=8mm
|
||||
}{
|
||||
\draw[draw=blocktitlebgcolor, fill=blockbodybgcolor,
|
||||
rounded corners=\blockroundedcorners, line width=\blocklinewidth]
|
||||
(blockbody.south west) rectangle (blocktitle.north east);
|
||||
}
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
### Background and Texture
|
||||
|
||||
**Background Options**:
|
||||
|
||||
**Plain (Recommended)**:
|
||||
- White or very light color
|
||||
- Maximum readability
|
||||
- Professional
|
||||
- Print-friendly
|
||||
|
||||
**Gradient**:
|
||||
- Subtle gradients acceptable
|
||||
- Top-to-bottom or radial
|
||||
- Avoid strong contrasts that interfere with text
|
||||
|
||||
**Textured**:
|
||||
- Very subtle textures only
|
||||
- Watermarks of logos/molecules (5-10% opacity)
|
||||
- Avoid patterns that create visual noise
|
||||
|
||||
**Avoid**:
|
||||
- ❌ Busy backgrounds
|
||||
- ❌ Images behind text
|
||||
- ❌ High contrast backgrounds
|
||||
- ❌ Repeating patterns that cause visual artifacts
|
||||
|
||||
```latex
|
||||
% Gradient background in tikzposter
|
||||
\documentclass{tikzposter}
|
||||
\definecolorstyle{GradientStyle}{
|
||||
% ...color definitions...
|
||||
}{
|
||||
\colorlet{backgroundcolor}{white!90!blue}
|
||||
\colorlet{framecolor}{white!70!blue}
|
||||
}
|
||||
|
||||
% Watermark
|
||||
\usepackage{tikz}
|
||||
\AddToShipoutPictureBG{
|
||||
\AtPageCenter{
|
||||
\includegraphics[width=0.5\paperwidth,opacity=0.05]{university-seal.pdf}
|
||||
}
|
||||
}
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
## Common Design Mistakes
|
||||
|
||||
### Critical Errors
|
||||
|
||||
**1. Too Much Text** (Most common mistake)
|
||||
- ❌ More than 1000 words
|
||||
- ❌ Long paragraphs (>5 lines)
|
||||
- ❌ Small font sizes to fit more content
|
||||
- ✅ Solution: Cut ruthlessly, use bullet points, focus on key messages
|
||||
|
||||
**2. Poor Contrast**
|
||||
- ❌ Light text on light background
|
||||
- ❌ Colored text on colored background
|
||||
- ✅ Solution: Dark on light or light on dark, test contrast ratio
|
||||
|
||||
**3. Font Size Too Small**
|
||||
- ❌ Body text under 24pt
|
||||
- ❌ Trying to fit full paper content
|
||||
- ✅ Solution: 30pt+ body text, prioritize key findings
|
||||
|
||||
**4. Cluttered Layout**
|
||||
- ❌ No white space
|
||||
- ❌ Elements touching edges
|
||||
- ❌ Random placement
|
||||
- ✅ Solution: Generous margins, grid alignment, intentional white space
|
||||
|
||||
**5. Inconsistent Styling**
|
||||
- ❌ Multiple font families
|
||||
- ❌ Varying header styles
|
||||
- ❌ Misaligned elements
|
||||
- ✅ Solution: Define style guide, use templates, align to grid
|
||||
|
||||
### Moderate Issues
|
||||
|
||||
**6. Poor Figure Quality**
|
||||
- ❌ Pixelated images (<300 DPI)
|
||||
- ❌ Tiny axis labels
|
||||
- ❌ Unreadable legends
|
||||
- ✅ Solution: Vector graphics (PDF/SVG), large labels, clear legends
|
||||
|
||||
**7. Color Overload**
|
||||
- ❌ Too many colors (>5 distinct hues)
|
||||
- ❌ Neon or overly saturated colors
|
||||
- ✅ Solution: Limit to 2-3 main colors, use tints/shades for variation
|
||||
|
||||
**8. Ignoring Visual Hierarchy**
|
||||
- ❌ All text same size
|
||||
- ❌ No clear entry point
|
||||
- ✅ Solution: Vary sizes significantly, clear title, visual flow
|
||||
|
||||
**9. Information Overload**
|
||||
- ❌ Trying to show everything
|
||||
- ❌ Too many figures
|
||||
- ✅ Solution: Show 3-5 key results, link to full paper via QR code
|
||||
|
||||
**10. Poor Typography**
|
||||
- ❌ Justified text (uneven spacing)
|
||||
- ❌ All caps body text
|
||||
- ❌ Mixing serif and sans-serif randomly
|
||||
- ✅ Solution: Left-align body, sentence case, consistent fonts
|
||||
|
||||
## Design Checklist
|
||||
|
||||
### Before Printing
|
||||
|
||||
- [ ] Title visible and readable from 20+ feet
|
||||
- [ ] Body text minimum 24pt, ideally 30pt+
|
||||
- [ ] High contrast (4.5:1 minimum) throughout
|
||||
- [ ] Color-blind friendly palette
|
||||
- [ ] Less than 800 words total
|
||||
- [ ] White space around all elements
|
||||
- [ ] Consistent alignment and spacing
|
||||
- [ ] All figures high resolution (300+ DPI)
|
||||
- [ ] Figure labels readable (18pt+ minimum)
|
||||
- [ ] No orphaned text or awkward breaks
|
||||
- [ ] Contact information included
|
||||
- [ ] QR codes tested and functional
|
||||
- [ ] Consistent font usage (2-3 families max)
|
||||
- [ ] All acronyms defined
|
||||
- [ ] Proper institutional branding/logos
|
||||
- [ ] Print test at 25% scale for readability check
|
||||
|
||||
### Content Review
|
||||
|
||||
- [ ] Clear narrative arc (problem → approach → findings → impact)
|
||||
- [ ] 1-3 main messages clearly communicated
|
||||
- [ ] Methods concise but reproducible
|
||||
- [ ] Results visually presented (not just text)
|
||||
- [ ] Conclusions actionable and clear
|
||||
- [ ] References cited appropriately
|
||||
- [ ] No typos or grammatical errors
|
||||
- [ ] Figures have descriptive captions
|
||||
- [ ] Data visualizations are clear and honest
|
||||
- [ ] Statistical significance properly indicated
|
||||
|
||||
## Evidence-Based Design Recommendations
|
||||
|
||||
Research on poster effectiveness shows:
|
||||
|
||||
**Findings from Studies**:
|
||||
1. **Viewers spend 3-5 minutes average** on posters
|
||||
- Design for scanning, not deep reading
|
||||
- Most important info must be visible immediately
|
||||
|
||||
2. **Visual content processed 60,000× faster** than text
|
||||
- Use figures, not paragraphs, to convey key findings
|
||||
- Images attract attention first
|
||||
|
||||
3. **High contrast improves recall** by 40%
|
||||
- Dark on light > light on dark for comprehension
|
||||
- Color contrast aids memory retention
|
||||
|
||||
4. **White space increases comprehension** by 20%
|
||||
- Don't fear empty space
|
||||
- Margins and padding are essential
|
||||
|
||||
5. **Three-column layouts most effective** for portrait posters
|
||||
- Balanced visual weight
|
||||
- Natural reading flow
|
||||
|
||||
6. **QR codes increase engagement** by 30%
|
||||
- Provide digital access to full paper
|
||||
- Link to videos, code repositories, data
|
||||
|
||||
## Resources and Tools
|
||||
|
||||
### Color Tools
|
||||
- **Coolors.co**: Generate color palettes
|
||||
- **Adobe Color**: Color wheel and accessibility checker
|
||||
- **ColorBrewer**: Scientific visualization palettes
|
||||
- **WebAIM Contrast Checker**: Test contrast ratios
|
||||
|
||||
### Design Resources
|
||||
- **Canva**: Poster mockups and inspiration
|
||||
- **Figma**: Design prototypes before LaTeX
|
||||
- **Noun Project**: Icons and graphics
|
||||
- **Font Awesome**: Icon fonts for LaTeX
|
||||
|
||||
### Testing Tools
|
||||
- **Coblis**: Color blindness simulator
|
||||
- **Vischeck**: Another color blindness checker
|
||||
- **Accessibility Checker**: WCAG compliance
|
||||
|
||||
### LaTeX Packages
|
||||
- `xcolor`: Extended color support
|
||||
- `tcolorbox`: Colored boxes and frames
|
||||
- `fontawesome5`: Icon fonts
|
||||
- `qrcode`: QR code generation
|
||||
- `tikz`: Custom graphics
|
||||
|
||||
## Conclusion
|
||||
|
||||
Effective poster design requires balancing aesthetics, readability, and scientific content. Follow these core principles:
|
||||
|
||||
1. **Less is more**: Prioritize key messages over comprehensive detail
|
||||
2. **Size matters**: Make text large enough to read from distance
|
||||
3. **Contrast is critical**: Ensure all text is highly readable
|
||||
4. **Accessibility first**: Design for diverse audiences
|
||||
5. **Visual hierarchy**: Guide viewers through content logically
|
||||
6. **Test early**: Print at reduced scale and gather feedback
|
||||
|
||||
Remember: A poster is an advertisement for your research and a conversation starter—not a substitute for reading the full paper.
|
||||
|
||||
900
skills/latex-posters/references/poster_layout_design.md
Normal file
900
skills/latex-posters/references/poster_layout_design.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,900 @@
|
||||
# Poster Layout and Design Guide
|
||||
|
||||
## Overview
|
||||
|
||||
Effective poster layout organizes content for maximum impact and comprehension. This guide covers grid systems, spatial organization, visual flow, and layout patterns for research posters.
|
||||
|
||||
## Grid Systems and Column Layouts
|
||||
|
||||
### Common Grid Patterns
|
||||
|
||||
#### 1. Two-Column Layout
|
||||
|
||||
**Characteristics**:
|
||||
- Simple, traditional structure
|
||||
- Easy to design and execute
|
||||
- Clear narrative flow
|
||||
- Good for text-heavy content
|
||||
- Best for A1 size or smaller
|
||||
|
||||
**Content Organization**:
|
||||
```
|
||||
+-------------------------+
|
||||
| Title/Header |
|
||||
+-------------------------+
|
||||
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
|
||||
| | |
|
||||
| Intro | Results |
|
||||
| | |
|
||||
| Methods | Discussion |
|
||||
| | |
|
||||
| | Conclusions |
|
||||
+-------------------------+
|
||||
| References/Contact |
|
||||
+-------------------------+
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**LaTeX Implementation (beamerposter)**:
|
||||
```latex
|
||||
\begin{columns}[t]
|
||||
\begin{column}{.48\linewidth}
|
||||
\begin{block}{Introduction}
|
||||
% Content
|
||||
\end{block}
|
||||
\begin{block}{Methods}
|
||||
% Content
|
||||
\end{block}
|
||||
\end{column}
|
||||
|
||||
\begin{column}{.48\linewidth}
|
||||
\begin{block}{Results}
|
||||
% Content
|
||||
\end{block}
|
||||
\begin{block}{Conclusions}
|
||||
% Content
|
||||
\end{block}
|
||||
\end{column}
|
||||
\end{columns}
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**Best For**:
|
||||
- Small posters (A1, A2)
|
||||
- Narrative-heavy content
|
||||
- Simple comparisons (before/after, control/treatment)
|
||||
- Linear storytelling
|
||||
|
||||
**Limitations**:
|
||||
- Limited space for multiple results
|
||||
- Can appear basic or dated
|
||||
- Less visual variety
|
||||
|
||||
#### 2. Three-Column Layout (Most Popular)
|
||||
|
||||
**Characteristics**:
|
||||
- Balanced, professional appearance
|
||||
- Optimal for A0 posters
|
||||
- Versatile content distribution
|
||||
- Natural visual rhythm
|
||||
- Industry standard
|
||||
|
||||
**Content Organization**:
|
||||
```
|
||||
+--------------------------------+
|
||||
| Title/Header |
|
||||
+--------------------------------+
|
||||
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3|
|
||||
| | | |
|
||||
| Intro | Results | Results |
|
||||
| | (Fig 1) | (Fig 2) |
|
||||
| Methods | | |
|
||||
| | Results | Discuss |
|
||||
| Methods | (Fig 3) | |
|
||||
| (cont.) | | Concl. |
|
||||
+--------------------------------+
|
||||
| Acknowledgments/Refs |
|
||||
+--------------------------------+
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**LaTeX Implementation (tikzposter)**:
|
||||
```latex
|
||||
\begin{columns}
|
||||
\column{0.33}
|
||||
\block{Introduction}{...}
|
||||
\block{Methods}{...}
|
||||
|
||||
\column{0.33}
|
||||
\block{Results Part 1}{...}
|
||||
\block{Results Part 2}{...}
|
||||
|
||||
\column{0.33}
|
||||
\block{Results Part 3}{...}
|
||||
\block{Discussion}{...}
|
||||
\block{Conclusions}{...}
|
||||
\end{columns}
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**Best For**:
|
||||
- Standard A0 conference posters
|
||||
- Multiple results/figures (4-6)
|
||||
- Balanced content distribution
|
||||
- Professional academic presentations
|
||||
|
||||
**Strengths**:
|
||||
- Visual balance and symmetry
|
||||
- Adequate space for text and figures
|
||||
- Clear section delineation
|
||||
- Easy to scan left-to-right
|
||||
|
||||
#### 3. Four-Column Layout
|
||||
|
||||
**Characteristics**:
|
||||
- Information-dense
|
||||
- Modern, structured appearance
|
||||
- Best for large posters (>A0)
|
||||
- Requires careful design
|
||||
- More complex to balance
|
||||
|
||||
**Content Organization**:
|
||||
```
|
||||
+----------------------------------------+
|
||||
| Title/Header |
|
||||
+----------------------------------------+
|
||||
| Col 1 | Col 2 | Col 3 | Col 4 |
|
||||
| | | | |
|
||||
| Intro | Method | Results | Results |
|
||||
| | (Flow) | (Fig 1) | (Fig 3) |
|
||||
| Motiv. | | | |
|
||||
| | Method | Results | Discuss. |
|
||||
| Hypoth.| (Stats)| (Fig 2) | |
|
||||
| | | | Concl. |
|
||||
+----------------------------------------+
|
||||
| References/Contact |
|
||||
+----------------------------------------+
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**LaTeX Implementation (baposter)**:
|
||||
```latex
|
||||
\begin{poster}{columns=4, colspacing=1em, ...}
|
||||
|
||||
\headerbox{Intro}{name=intro, column=0, row=0}{...}
|
||||
\headerbox{Methods}{name=methods, column=1, row=0}{...}
|
||||
\headerbox{Results 1}{name=res1, column=2, row=0}{...}
|
||||
\headerbox{Results 2}{name=res2, column=3, row=0}{...}
|
||||
|
||||
% Continue with below=... for stacking
|
||||
|
||||
\end{poster}
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**Best For**:
|
||||
- Large format posters (48×72")
|
||||
- Data-heavy presentations
|
||||
- Comparison studies (multiple conditions)
|
||||
- Engineering/technical posters
|
||||
|
||||
**Challenges**:
|
||||
- Can appear crowded
|
||||
- Requires more white space management
|
||||
- Harder to achieve visual balance
|
||||
- Risk of overwhelming viewers
|
||||
|
||||
#### 4. Asymmetric Layouts
|
||||
|
||||
**Characteristics**:
|
||||
- Dynamic, modern appearance
|
||||
- Flexible content arrangement
|
||||
- Emphasizes hierarchy
|
||||
- Requires design expertise
|
||||
- Best for creative fields
|
||||
|
||||
**Example Pattern**:
|
||||
```
|
||||
+--------------------------------+
|
||||
| Title/Header |
|
||||
+--------------------------------+
|
||||
| Wide Column | Narrow Column |
|
||||
| (66%) | (33%) |
|
||||
| | |
|
||||
| Intro + | Key |
|
||||
| Methods | Figure |
|
||||
| (narrative) | (emphasized) |
|
||||
| | |
|
||||
+--------------------------------+
|
||||
| Results (spanning full width) |
|
||||
+--------------------------------+
|
||||
| Discussion | Conclusions |
|
||||
| (50%) | (50%) |
|
||||
+--------------------------------+
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**LaTeX Implementation (tikzposter)**:
|
||||
```latex
|
||||
\begin{columns}
|
||||
\column{0.65}
|
||||
\block{Introduction and Methods}{
|
||||
% Combined narrative section
|
||||
}
|
||||
|
||||
\column{0.35}
|
||||
\block{}{
|
||||
% Key figure with minimal text
|
||||
\includegraphics[width=\linewidth]{key-figure.pdf}
|
||||
}
|
||||
\end{columns}
|
||||
|
||||
\block[width=1.0\linewidth]{Results}{
|
||||
% Full-width results section
|
||||
}
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**Best For**:
|
||||
- Design-oriented conferences
|
||||
- Single key finding with supporting content
|
||||
- Modern, non-traditional fields
|
||||
- Experienced poster designers
|
||||
|
||||
### Grid Alignment Principles
|
||||
|
||||
**Baseline Grid**:
|
||||
- Establish invisible horizontal lines
|
||||
- Align all text blocks to grid
|
||||
- Typical spacing: 5mm or 10mm increments
|
||||
- Creates visual rhythm and professionalism
|
||||
|
||||
**Column Grid**:
|
||||
- Divide width into equal units (12, 16, or 24 units common)
|
||||
- Elements span multiple units
|
||||
- Allows flexible but structured layouts
|
||||
|
||||
**Example 12-Column Grid**:
|
||||
```
|
||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |10 |11 |12 |
|
||||
|-------|-------|-------|-------|-------|-------|
|
||||
| Block spanning 6 units| Block spanning 6 units|
|
||||
| Block spanning 12 units |
|
||||
| 4 units | 8 units (emphasized) |
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**LaTeX Grid Helper**:
|
||||
```latex
|
||||
% Debug grid overlay (remove for final version)
|
||||
\usepackage{tikz}
|
||||
\AddToShipoutPictureBG{
|
||||
\begin{tikzpicture}[remember picture, overlay]
|
||||
\draw[help lines, step=5cm, very thin, gray!30]
|
||||
(current page.south west) grid (current page.north east);
|
||||
\end{tikzpicture}
|
||||
}
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
## Visual Flow and Reading Patterns
|
||||
|
||||
### Z-Pattern (Landscape Posters)
|
||||
|
||||
Viewers' eyes naturally follow a Z-shape on landscape layouts:
|
||||
|
||||
```
|
||||
START → → → → → → → → → → → → → → TOP RIGHT
|
||||
↓ ↓
|
||||
↓ ↓
|
||||
MIDDLE LEFT → → → → → → → → → MIDDLE RIGHT
|
||||
↓ ↓
|
||||
↓ ↓
|
||||
BOTTOM LEFT → → → → → → → → → → → → END
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**Design Strategy**:
|
||||
1. **Top-left**: Title and introduction (entry point)
|
||||
2. **Top-right**: Institution logo, QR code
|
||||
3. **Center**: Key result or main figure
|
||||
4. **Bottom-right**: Conclusions and contact (exit point)
|
||||
|
||||
**Content Placement**:
|
||||
- Critical information at corners and center
|
||||
- Support information along diagonal paths
|
||||
- Use arrows or visual cues to reinforce flow
|
||||
|
||||
### F-Pattern (Portrait Posters)
|
||||
|
||||
Portrait posters follow F-shaped eye movement:
|
||||
|
||||
```
|
||||
TITLE → → → → → → → → → → → →
|
||||
↓
|
||||
INTRO → → → →
|
||||
↓
|
||||
METHODS
|
||||
↓
|
||||
RESULTS → → →
|
||||
↓
|
||||
RESULTS (cont.)
|
||||
↓
|
||||
DISCUSSION
|
||||
↓
|
||||
CONCLUSIONS → → → → → → → → →
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**Design Strategy**:
|
||||
1. Place engaging content at top-left
|
||||
2. Use section headers to create horizontal scan points
|
||||
3. Most important figures in upper-middle area
|
||||
4. Conclusions visible without scrolling (if digital) or from distance
|
||||
|
||||
### Gutenberg Diagram
|
||||
|
||||
Classic newspaper layout principle:
|
||||
|
||||
```
|
||||
+------------------+------------------+
|
||||
| PRIMARY AREA | STRONG FALLOW |
|
||||
| (most attention) | (moderate attn) |
|
||||
| ↓ | ↓ |
|
||||
+------------------+------------------+
|
||||
| WEAK FALLOW | TERMINAL AREA |
|
||||
| (least attention)| (final resting) |
|
||||
| | ↑ |
|
||||
+------------------+------------------+
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**Optimization**:
|
||||
- **Primary Area** (top-left): Introduction, problem statement
|
||||
- **Strong Fallow** (top-right): Supporting figure, logo
|
||||
- **Weak Fallow** (bottom-left): Methods details, references
|
||||
- **Terminal Area** (bottom-right): Conclusions, take-home message
|
||||
|
||||
### Directional Cues
|
||||
|
||||
Guide viewers explicitly through content:
|
||||
|
||||
**Numerical Ordering**:
|
||||
```latex
|
||||
\block{❶ Introduction}{...}
|
||||
\block{❷ Methods}{...}
|
||||
\block{❸ Results}{...}
|
||||
\block{❹ Conclusions}{...}
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**Arrows and Lines**:
|
||||
```latex
|
||||
\begin{tikzpicture}
|
||||
\node[block] (intro) {Introduction};
|
||||
\node[block, right=of intro] (methods) {Methods};
|
||||
\node[block, right=of methods] (results) {Results};
|
||||
\draw[->, thick, blue] (intro) -- (methods);
|
||||
\draw[->, thick, blue] (methods) -- (results);
|
||||
\end{tikzpicture}
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**Color Progression**:
|
||||
- Light to dark shades indicating progression
|
||||
- Cool to warm colors showing importance increase
|
||||
- Consistent color for related sections
|
||||
|
||||
## Spatial Organization Strategies
|
||||
|
||||
### Header/Title Area
|
||||
|
||||
**Typical Size**: 10-15% of total poster height
|
||||
|
||||
**Essential Elements**:
|
||||
- **Title**: Concise, descriptive (10-15 words max)
|
||||
- **Authors**: Full names, presenting author emphasized
|
||||
- **Affiliations**: Institutions, departments
|
||||
- **Logos**: University, funding agencies (2-4 max)
|
||||
- **Conference info** (optional): Name, date, location
|
||||
|
||||
**Layout Options**:
|
||||
|
||||
**Centered**:
|
||||
```
|
||||
+----------------------------------------+
|
||||
| [Logo] POSTER TITLE HERE [Logo]|
|
||||
| Authors and Affiliations |
|
||||
| email@university.edu |
|
||||
+----------------------------------------+
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**Left-aligned**:
|
||||
```
|
||||
+----------------------------------------+
|
||||
| POSTER TITLE HERE [Logo] |
|
||||
| Authors and Affiliations [Logo] |
|
||||
+----------------------------------------+
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**Split**:
|
||||
```
|
||||
+----------------------------------------+
|
||||
| [Logo] | Authors & Affil. |
|
||||
| POSTER TITLE | email@edu |
|
||||
| | [QR Code] |
|
||||
+----------------------------------------+
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**LaTeX Header (beamerposter)**:
|
||||
```latex
|
||||
\begin{columns}[T]
|
||||
\begin{column}{.15\linewidth}
|
||||
\includegraphics[width=\linewidth]{logo1.pdf}
|
||||
\end{column}
|
||||
|
||||
\begin{column}{.7\linewidth}
|
||||
\centering
|
||||
{\VeryHuge\textbf{Your Research Title Here}}\\[0.5cm]
|
||||
{\Large Author One\textsuperscript{1}, Author Two\textsuperscript{2}}\\[0.3cm]
|
||||
{\normalsize \textsuperscript{1}University A, \textsuperscript{2}University B}
|
||||
\end{column}
|
||||
|
||||
\begin{column}{.15\linewidth}
|
||||
\includegraphics[width=\linewidth]{logo2.pdf}
|
||||
\end{column}
|
||||
\end{columns}
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
### Main Content Area
|
||||
|
||||
**Typical Size**: 70-80% of total poster
|
||||
|
||||
**Organization Principles**:
|
||||
|
||||
**1. Top-to-Bottom Flow**:
|
||||
```
|
||||
Introduction/Background
|
||||
↓
|
||||
Methods/Approach
|
||||
↓
|
||||
Results (Multiple panels)
|
||||
↓
|
||||
Discussion/Conclusions
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**2. Left-to-Right, Top-to-Bottom**:
|
||||
```
|
||||
[Intro] [Results 1] [Results 3]
|
||||
[Methods] [Results 2] [Discussion]
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**3. Centralized Main Figure**:
|
||||
```
|
||||
[Intro] [Main Figure] [Discussion]
|
||||
[Methods] (center) [Conclusions]
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**Section Sizing**:
|
||||
- Introduction: 10-15% of content area
|
||||
- Methods: 15-20%
|
||||
- Results: 40-50% (largest section)
|
||||
- Discussion/Conclusions: 15-20%
|
||||
|
||||
### Footer Area
|
||||
|
||||
**Typical Size**: 5-10% of total poster height
|
||||
|
||||
**Common Elements**:
|
||||
- References (abbreviated, 5-10 key citations)
|
||||
- Acknowledgments (funding, collaborators)
|
||||
- Contact information
|
||||
- QR codes (paper, code, data)
|
||||
- Social media handles (optional)
|
||||
- Conference hashtags
|
||||
|
||||
**Layout**:
|
||||
```
|
||||
+----------------------------------------+
|
||||
| References: 1. Author (2023) ... | 📱 |
|
||||
| Acknowledgments: Funded by ... | QR |
|
||||
| Contact: name@email.edu | Code |
|
||||
+----------------------------------------+
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**LaTeX Footer**:
|
||||
```latex
|
||||
\begin{block}{}
|
||||
\footnotesize
|
||||
\begin{columns}[T]
|
||||
\begin{column}{0.7\linewidth}
|
||||
\textbf{References}
|
||||
\begin{enumerate}
|
||||
\item Author A et al. (2023). Journal. doi:...
|
||||
\item Author B et al. (2024). Conference.
|
||||
\end{enumerate}
|
||||
|
||||
\textbf{Acknowledgments}
|
||||
This work was supported by Grant XYZ.
|
||||
|
||||
\textbf{Contact}: firstname.lastname@university.edu
|
||||
\end{column}
|
||||
|
||||
\begin{column}{0.25\linewidth}
|
||||
\centering
|
||||
\qrcode[height=3cm]{https://doi.org/10.1234/paper}\\
|
||||
\tiny Scan for full paper
|
||||
\end{column}
|
||||
\end{columns}
|
||||
\end{block}
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
## White Space Management
|
||||
|
||||
### Margins and Padding
|
||||
|
||||
**Outer Margins**:
|
||||
- Minimum: 2-3cm (0.75-1 inch)
|
||||
- Recommended: 3-5cm (1-2 inches)
|
||||
- Prevents edge trimming issues in printing
|
||||
- Provides visual breathing room
|
||||
|
||||
**Inner Spacing**:
|
||||
- Between columns: 1-2cm
|
||||
- Between blocks: 1-2cm
|
||||
- Inside blocks (padding): 0.5-1.5cm
|
||||
- Around figures: 0.5-1cm
|
||||
|
||||
**LaTeX Margin Control**:
|
||||
```latex
|
||||
% beamerposter
|
||||
\usepackage[size=a0, scale=1.4]{beamerposter}
|
||||
\setbeamersize{text margin left=3cm, text margin right=3cm}
|
||||
|
||||
% tikzposter
|
||||
\documentclass[..., margin=30mm, innermargin=15mm]{tikzposter}
|
||||
|
||||
% baposter
|
||||
\begin{poster}{
|
||||
colspacing=1.5em, % Horizontal spacing
|
||||
...
|
||||
}
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
### Active White Space vs. Passive White Space
|
||||
|
||||
**Active White Space**: Intentionally placed for specific purpose
|
||||
- Around key figures (draws attention)
|
||||
- Between major sections (creates clear separation)
|
||||
- Above/below titles (emphasizes hierarchy)
|
||||
|
||||
**Passive White Space**: Natural result of layout
|
||||
- Margins and borders
|
||||
- Line spacing
|
||||
- Gaps between elements
|
||||
|
||||
**Balance**: Aim for 30-40% white space overall
|
||||
|
||||
### Visual Breathing Room
|
||||
|
||||
**Avoid**:
|
||||
- ❌ Elements touching edges
|
||||
- ❌ Text blocks directly adjacent
|
||||
- ❌ Figures without surrounding space
|
||||
- ❌ Cramped, claustrophobic feel
|
||||
|
||||
**Implement**:
|
||||
- ✅ Clear separation between sections
|
||||
- ✅ Space around focal points
|
||||
- ✅ Generous padding inside boxes
|
||||
- ✅ Balanced distribution of content
|
||||
|
||||
## Block and Box Design
|
||||
|
||||
### Block Types and Functions
|
||||
|
||||
**Title Block**: Poster header
|
||||
- Full width, top position
|
||||
- High visual weight
|
||||
- Contains identifying information
|
||||
|
||||
**Content Blocks**: Main sections
|
||||
- Column-based or free-floating
|
||||
- Hierarchical sizing (larger = more important)
|
||||
- Clear headers and structure
|
||||
|
||||
**Callout Blocks**: Emphasized information
|
||||
- Key findings or quotes
|
||||
- Different color or style
|
||||
- Visually distinct
|
||||
|
||||
**Reference Blocks**: Supporting info
|
||||
- Footer position
|
||||
- Smaller, less prominent
|
||||
- Informational, not critical
|
||||
|
||||
### Block Styling Options
|
||||
|
||||
**Border Styles**:
|
||||
```latex
|
||||
% Rounded corners (friendly, modern)
|
||||
\begin{block}{Title}
|
||||
% beamerposter with rounded
|
||||
\setbeamertemplate{block begin}[rounded]
|
||||
|
||||
% Sharp corners (formal, traditional)
|
||||
\setbeamertemplate{block begin}[default]
|
||||
|
||||
% No border (minimal, clean)
|
||||
\setbeamercolor{block title}{bg=white, fg=black}
|
||||
\setbeamercolor{block body}{bg=white, fg=black}
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**Shadow and Depth**:
|
||||
```latex
|
||||
% tikzposter shadow
|
||||
\tikzset{
|
||||
block/.append style={
|
||||
drop shadow={shadow xshift=2mm, shadow yshift=-2mm}
|
||||
}
|
||||
}
|
||||
|
||||
% tcolorbox drop shadow
|
||||
\usepackage{tcolorbox}
|
||||
\begin{tcolorbox}[enhanced, drop shadow]
|
||||
Content with shadow
|
||||
\end{tcolorbox}
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**Background Shading**:
|
||||
- **Solid**: Clean, professional
|
||||
- **Gradient**: Modern, dynamic
|
||||
- **Transparent**: Layered, sophisticated
|
||||
|
||||
### Relationship and Grouping
|
||||
|
||||
**Visual Grouping Techniques**:
|
||||
|
||||
**1. Proximity**: Place related items close
|
||||
```
|
||||
[Intro Text]
|
||||
[Related Figure]
|
||||
↓ grouped
|
||||
[Methods Text]
|
||||
[Methods Diagram]
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**2. Color Coding**: Use color to show relationships
|
||||
- All "Methods" blocks in blue
|
||||
- All "Results" blocks in green
|
||||
- Conclusions in orange
|
||||
|
||||
**3. Borders**: Enclose related elements
|
||||
```latex
|
||||
\begin{tcolorbox}[title=Experimental Pipeline]
|
||||
\begin{enumerate}
|
||||
\item Sample preparation
|
||||
\item Data collection
|
||||
\item Analysis
|
||||
\end{enumerate}
|
||||
\end{tcolorbox}
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**4. Alignment**: Aligned elements appear related
|
||||
```
|
||||
[Block A Left-aligned]
|
||||
[Block B Left-aligned]
|
||||
vs.
|
||||
[Block C Centered]
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
## Responsive and Adaptive Layouts
|
||||
|
||||
### Designing for Different Poster Sizes
|
||||
|
||||
**Scaling Strategy**:
|
||||
- Design for target size (e.g., A0)
|
||||
- Test at other common sizes (A1, 36×48")
|
||||
- Use relative sizing (percentages, not absolute)
|
||||
|
||||
**Font Scaling**:
|
||||
```latex
|
||||
% Scale fonts proportionally
|
||||
\usepackage[size=a0, scale=1.4]{beamerposter} % A0 at 140%
|
||||
\usepackage[size=a1, scale=1.0]{beamerposter} % A1 at 100%
|
||||
|
||||
% Or define sizes relatively
|
||||
\newcommand{\titlesize}{\fontsize{96}{110}\selectfont}
|
||||
\newcommand{\headersize}{\fontsize{60}{72}\selectfont}
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**Content Adaptation**:
|
||||
- **A0 (full)**: All content, 5-6 figures
|
||||
- **A1 (reduced)**: Condense to 3-4 main figures
|
||||
- **A2 (compact)**: Key finding only, 1-2 figures
|
||||
|
||||
### Portrait vs. Landscape Orientation
|
||||
|
||||
**Portrait (Vertical)**:
|
||||
- **Pros**: Traditional, more common stands, natural reading flow
|
||||
- **Cons**: Less width for figures, can feel cramped
|
||||
- **Best for**: Text-heavy posters, multi-section flow, conferences
|
||||
|
||||
**Landscape (Horizontal)**:
|
||||
- **Pros**: Wide figures, natural for timelines, modern feel
|
||||
- **Cons**: Harder to read from distance, less common
|
||||
- **Best for**: Timelines, wide data visualizations, non-traditional venues
|
||||
|
||||
**LaTeX Orientation**:
|
||||
```latex
|
||||
% Portrait
|
||||
\usepackage[size=a0, orientation=portrait]{beamerposter}
|
||||
\documentclass[..., portrait]{tikzposter}
|
||||
|
||||
% Landscape
|
||||
\usepackage[size=a0, orientation=landscape]{beamerposter}
|
||||
\documentclass[..., landscape]{tikzposter}
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
## Layout Patterns by Research Type
|
||||
|
||||
### Experimental Research
|
||||
|
||||
**Typical Flow**:
|
||||
```
|
||||
[Title and Authors]
|
||||
+---------------------------+
|
||||
| Background | Methods |
|
||||
| Problem | (Diagram) |
|
||||
+---------------------------+
|
||||
| Results (Figure 1) |
|
||||
| Results (Figure 2) |
|
||||
+---------------------------+
|
||||
| Discussion | Conclusions |
|
||||
| Limitations| Future Work |
|
||||
+---------------------------+
|
||||
[References and Contact]
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**Emphasis**: Visual results, clear methodology
|
||||
|
||||
### Computational/Modeling
|
||||
|
||||
**Typical Flow**:
|
||||
```
|
||||
[Title and Authors]
|
||||
+---------------------------+
|
||||
| Motivation | Algorithm |
|
||||
| | (Flowchart) |
|
||||
+---------------------------+
|
||||
| Implementation Details |
|
||||
+---------------------------+
|
||||
| Results | Results |
|
||||
| (Benchmark)| (Comparison) |
|
||||
+---------------------------+
|
||||
| Conclusions| Code QR |
|
||||
+---------------------------+
|
||||
[GitHub, Docker, Documentation]
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**Emphasis**: Algorithm clarity, reproducibility
|
||||
|
||||
### Clinical/Medical
|
||||
|
||||
**Typical Flow**:
|
||||
```
|
||||
[Title and Authors]
|
||||
+---------------------------+
|
||||
| Background | Methods |
|
||||
| Clinical | - Design |
|
||||
| Need | - Population |
|
||||
| | - Outcomes |
|
||||
+---------------------------+
|
||||
| Results | |
|
||||
| (Primary Outcome) | Key|
|
||||
| | Fig|
|
||||
+---------------------------+
|
||||
| Discussion | Clinical |
|
||||
| | Implications |
|
||||
+---------------------------+
|
||||
[Trial Registration, Ethics, Funding]
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**Emphasis**: Patient outcomes, clinical relevance
|
||||
|
||||
### Review/Meta-Analysis
|
||||
|
||||
**Typical Flow**:
|
||||
```
|
||||
[Title and Authors]
|
||||
+---------------------------+
|
||||
| Research | Search |
|
||||
| Question | Strategy |
|
||||
| | (PRISMA Flow) |
|
||||
+---------------------------+
|
||||
| Included Studies Overview |
|
||||
+---------------------------+
|
||||
| Findings | Findings |
|
||||
| (Theme 1) | (Theme 2) |
|
||||
+---------------------------+
|
||||
| Synthesis | Gaps & |
|
||||
| | Future Needs |
|
||||
+---------------------------+
|
||||
[Systematic Review Registration]
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**Emphasis**: Comprehensive coverage, synthesis
|
||||
|
||||
## Layout Testing and Iteration
|
||||
|
||||
### Design Iteration Process
|
||||
|
||||
**1. Sketch Phase**:
|
||||
- Hand-draw rough layout
|
||||
- Experiment with different arrangements
|
||||
- Mark primary, secondary, tertiary content
|
||||
|
||||
**2. Digital Mockup**:
|
||||
- Create low-fidelity version in LaTeX
|
||||
- Use placeholder text/figures
|
||||
- Test different grid systems
|
||||
|
||||
**3. Content Integration**:
|
||||
- Replace placeholders with actual content
|
||||
- Adjust spacing and sizing
|
||||
- Refine visual hierarchy
|
||||
|
||||
**4. Refinement**:
|
||||
- Fine-tune alignment
|
||||
- Balance visual weight
|
||||
- Optimize white space
|
||||
|
||||
**5. Testing**:
|
||||
- Print at reduced scale (25%)
|
||||
- View from distance
|
||||
- Get colleague feedback
|
||||
|
||||
### Feedback Checklist
|
||||
|
||||
**Visual Balance**:
|
||||
- [ ] No single area feels too heavy or too light
|
||||
- [ ] Color distributed evenly across poster
|
||||
- [ ] Text and figures balanced
|
||||
- [ ] White space well-distributed
|
||||
|
||||
**Hierarchy and Flow**:
|
||||
- [ ] Clear entry point (title visible)
|
||||
- [ ] Logical reading path
|
||||
- [ ] Section relationships clear
|
||||
- [ ] Conclusions easy to find
|
||||
|
||||
**Technical Execution**:
|
||||
- [ ] Consistent alignment
|
||||
- [ ] Uniform spacing
|
||||
- [ ] Professional appearance
|
||||
- [ ] No awkward breaks or orphans
|
||||
|
||||
## Common Layout Mistakes
|
||||
|
||||
**1. Unbalanced Visual Weight**
|
||||
- ❌ All content on left, empty right side
|
||||
- ❌ Large figure dominating, tiny text elsewhere
|
||||
- ✅ Distribute content evenly across poster
|
||||
|
||||
**2. Inconsistent Spacing**
|
||||
- ❌ Random gaps between blocks
|
||||
- ❌ Elements touching in some places, spaced in others
|
||||
- ✅ Use consistent spacing values throughout
|
||||
|
||||
**3. Poor Column Width**
|
||||
- ❌ Extremely narrow columns (hard to read)
|
||||
- ❌ Very wide columns (eye tracking difficult)
|
||||
- ✅ Optimal: 40-80 characters per line
|
||||
|
||||
**4. Ignoring Grid**
|
||||
- ❌ Random placement of elements
|
||||
- ❌ Misaligned blocks
|
||||
- ✅ Align to invisible grid, consistent positioning
|
||||
|
||||
**5. Overcrowding**
|
||||
- ❌ No white space, cramped feel
|
||||
- ❌ Trying to fit too much content
|
||||
- ✅ Generous margins, clear separation
|
||||
|
||||
## Conclusion
|
||||
|
||||
Effective layout design:
|
||||
- Uses appropriate grid systems (2, 3, or 4 columns)
|
||||
- Follows natural eye movement patterns
|
||||
- Maintains visual balance and hierarchy
|
||||
- Provides adequate white space
|
||||
- Groups related content clearly
|
||||
- Adapts to different poster sizes and orientations
|
||||
|
||||
Remember: Layout should support content, not compete with it. When viewers focus on your research rather than your design, you've succeeded.
|
||||
|
||||
Reference in New Issue
Block a user