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skills/venue-templates/references/posters_guidelines.md
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# Research Poster Guidelines
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Comprehensive guidelines for creating effective academic research posters including sizing, layout, typography, and design best practices.
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**Last Updated**: 2024
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---
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## Standard Poster Sizes
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### International Sizes (ISO 216)
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| Size | Dimensions (mm) | Dimensions (inches) | Common Use |
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|------|----------------|---------------------|------------|
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| **A0** | 841 × 1189 | 33.1 × 46.8 | Most common international standard |
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| **A1** | 594 × 841 | 23.4 × 33.1 | Smaller conferences, travel-friendly |
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| **A2** | 420 × 594 | 16.5 × 23.4 | Mini posters, small venues |
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### US Sizes
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| Size | Dimensions (inches) | Dimensions (mm) | Common Use |
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|------|-------------------|-----------------|------------|
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| **36" × 48"** | 36 × 48 | 914 × 1219 | Common US conference size (portrait) |
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| **42" × 56"** | 42 × 56 | 1067 × 1422 | Large format US posters |
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| **48" × 36"** | 48 × 36 | 1219 × 914 | Landscape orientation |
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| **48" × 96"** | 48 × 96 | 1219 × 2438 | Extra-wide format |
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### Other Common Sizes
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| Size | Dimensions | Notes |
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|------|-----------|-------|
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| **90 cm × 120 cm** | 900 × 1200 mm / 35.4 × 47.2 in | Common in Europe |
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| **40" × 30"** | 1016 × 762 mm | Landscape format |
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| **3 ft × 4 ft** | 914 × 1219 mm / 36 × 48 in | Same as 36×48 |
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### Orientation
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- **Portrait**: Most common (height > width)
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- Better for long visual flows (top to bottom)
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- Examples: A0, 36"×48"
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- **Landscape**: Less common but sometimes preferred
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- Better for wide content, timelines
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- Examples: 48"×36", 40"×30"
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**Always verify**: Check conference specifications before designing!
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---
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## Typography and Font Sizes
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### Recommended Font Sizes by Distance
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Posters are viewed from 3-6 feet (1-2 meters) away:
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| Element | Size Range | Recommended |
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|---------|-----------|-------------|
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| **Title** | 60-85 pt | 72-85 pt |
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| **Author Names** | 48-60 pt | 54 pt |
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| **Affiliations** | 32-40 pt | 36 pt |
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| **Section Headers** | 36-48 pt | 42 pt |
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| **Body Text** | 24-32 pt | 28 pt |
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| **Figure Captions** | 20-24 pt | 22 pt |
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| **References** | 18-22 pt | 20 pt |
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### Font Families
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**Sans-Serif (Recommended for Posters)**:
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- Arial
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- Helvetica
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- Calibri
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- Futura
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- Gill Sans
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- **Why**: Clean, readable at distance
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**Serif (Use Sparingly)**:
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- Times New Roman
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- Georgia
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- Palatino
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- **When**: Body text if preferred, but sans-serif better for headers
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**Monospace**:
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- Courier New
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- Consolas
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- **When**: Code snippets only
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### Typography Best Practices
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1. **Limit fonts**: Use 1-2 font families maximum
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2. **Hierarchy**: Establish clear size hierarchy
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3. **Weight**: Use bold for emphasis, not italics
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4. **Alignment**: Left-align body text, center title
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5. **Spacing**: Generous line spacing (1.2-1.5)
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6. **Consistency**: Same fonts for similar elements
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---
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## Layout and Design Principles
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### Grid-Based Layouts
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**Column Structures**:
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| Layout | Columns | Best For |
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|--------|---------|----------|
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| **Single Column** | 1 | Simple, linear flow; timeline posters |
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| **Two Column** | 2 | Most common; balanced layout |
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| **Three Column** | 3 | Dense content; multi-part studies |
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| **Four Column** | 4 | Very dense; avoid if possible |
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**Recommended**: **2 or 3 columns** for most research posters
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### Visual Flow
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**Reading Order** (Western conventions):
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1. Top to bottom
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2. Left to right
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3. Z-pattern or F-pattern
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**Section Ordering** (typical):
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```
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+----------------------------------+
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| TITLE |
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| Authors, Affiliations |
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+----------------------------------+
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| Introduction | Results |
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| | |
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| Methods | Discussion |
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| | |
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| [Optional] | Conclusions |
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+----------------------------------+
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| References / QR Code |
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+----------------------------------+
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```
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### Spacing and Margins
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- **Outer margins**: 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) all sides
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- **Column spacing**: 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm)
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- **Inter-section spacing**: 0.5-1 inch
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- **White space**: 30-40% of poster should be white space
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**Avoid**: Dense, text-heavy layouts with minimal white space
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---
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## Color Schemes
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### Colorblind-Safe Palettes
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Use colorblind-friendly color combinations:
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**Okabe-Ito Palette** (Recommended):
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- Orange: `#E69F00`
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- Sky Blue: `#56B4E9`
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- Bluish Green: `#009E73`
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- Yellow: `#F0E442`
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- Blue: `#0072B2`
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- Vermillion: `#D55E00`
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- Reddish Purple: `#CC79A7`
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- Black: `#000000`
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- Gray: `#999999`
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**Viridis Palette** (sequential):
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- Good for heatmaps and gradients
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- Colorblind-safe and perceptually uniform
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### Color Usage Guidelines
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**Background**:
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- **White or light gray**: Most common, professional
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- **Light colored**: Pale blue, beige (use cautiously)
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- **Avoid dark backgrounds**: Harder to read, expensive to print
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**Text**:
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- **Dark on light**: Black or dark gray text on white/light backgrounds
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- **Contrast ratio**: At least 4.5:1 (WCAG AA standard)
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**Accent Colors**:
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- Use 2-3 accent colors maximum
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- Section headers, key findings
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- Consistent throughout poster
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**Figures**:
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- Colorblind-safe palettes
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- Sufficient contrast
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- Test in grayscale
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### Color Contrast Tools
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- WebAIM Contrast Checker: https://webaim.org/resources/contrastchecker/
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- Coblis (Color Blindness Simulator): https://www.color-blindness.com/coblis-color-blindness-simulator/
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---
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## Content Structure
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### Essential Sections
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#### 1. Title Section
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- **Title**: Clear, specific, engaging
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- **Authors**: Names (underline presenting author)
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- **Affiliations**: Institutions, departments
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- **Logo**: Institutional logo (corner)
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- **Contact**: Email, QR code to paper/website
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#### 2. Introduction/Background
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- **Purpose**: Context and motivation
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- **Length**: 100-200 words
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- **Include**:
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- Problem statement
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- Research gap
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- Objectives/hypothesis
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#### 3. Methods
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- **Purpose**: How you did the study
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- **Format**:
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- Bullet points preferred
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- Flow diagram if complex
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- Key parameters
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- **Include**: Sample size, procedures, analysis
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#### 4. Results
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- **Purpose**: What you found
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- **Format**: Primarily visual (figures, tables, charts)
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- **Include**:
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- Key findings (2-4 main results)
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- Statistical significance
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- Visual evidence
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#### 5. Discussion/Conclusions
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- **Purpose**: What it means
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- **Length**: 100-200 words
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- **Include**:
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- Interpretation
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- Implications
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- Limitations
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- Future work
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#### 6. References
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- **Format**: Small font, abbreviated citations
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- **Include**: Key citations only (5-10)
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- **Style**: Any consistent style
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### Optional Sections
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- **Abstract**: Sometimes included, often omitted
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- **Acknowledgments**: Funding, collaborators
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- **Future Work**: Next steps
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---
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## Visual Elements
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### Figures and Plots
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**Principles**:
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1. **Simplify**: Remove clutter, emphasize key points
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2. **Enlarge**: Make larger than in paper
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3. **Label clearly**: Large axis labels, legends
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4. **Standalone**: Each figure tells a complete story
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5. **High resolution**: 300 dpi minimum
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**Figure Types**:
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- **Photographs**: High quality, cropped appropriately
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- **Graphs**: Bar charts, line plots, scatter plots
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- **Heatmaps**: Use colorblind-safe colormaps
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- **Schematics**: Diagrams, flowcharts
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- **Tables**: Simple tables (complex tables → figure)
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### Tables
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**When to Use**:
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- Precise numerical values needed
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- Comparisons across conditions
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- Summary statistics
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**Best Practices**:
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- **Keep simple**: 3-5 columns, 5-10 rows maximum
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- **Large fonts**: Same size as body text
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- **Clear headers**: Bold column/row headers
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- **Alternating rows**: Light shading for readability
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- **Minimal lines**: Horizontal lines only (no vertical)
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### Icons and Graphics
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**Use**:
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- Icons for visual interest (methods, concepts)
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- Simple graphics to break text
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- Arrows to guide flow
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**Sources**:
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- Noun Project: https://thenounproject.com/
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- BioRender: https://biorender.com/ (scientific illustrations)
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- Font Awesome: https://fontawesome.com/ (icons)
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**Caution**: Don't overuse; maintain professionalism
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---
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## LaTeX Poster Packages
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### beamerposter
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**Description**: Extension of Beamer for posters
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**Best For**: Academic conferences, classic layout
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**Pros**:
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- Familiar to Beamer users
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- Clean, professional appearance
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- Many themes available
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**Cons**:
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- Less flexible than tikzposter
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- Can be verbose
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**Template**: `assets/posters/beamerposter_academic.tex`
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**Example Usage**:
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```latex
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\documentclass[final]{beamer}
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\usepackage[size=a0,scale=1.24]{beamerposter}
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\usetheme{Berlin}
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```
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---
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### tikzposter
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**Description**: Modern poster package using TikZ
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**Best For**: Colorful, modern designs
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**Pros**:
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- Highly customizable
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- Modern, attractive themes
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- Block-based layout
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**Cons**:
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- Steeper learning curve
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- Can be slow to compile
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**Template**: `assets/posters/tikzposter_research.tex`
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**Example Usage**:
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```latex
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\documentclass[25pt, a0paper, portrait]{tikzposter}
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\usetheme{Autumn}
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\usecolorstyle{Denmark}
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```
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---
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### baposter
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**Description**: Box-and-poster system
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**Best For**: Structured, multi-column layouts
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**Pros**:
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- Excellent column control
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- Header boxes, structured layout
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- Good for dense content
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**Cons**:
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- Complex syntax
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- Less commonly used
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**Template**: `assets/posters/baposter_conference.tex`
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**Example Usage**:
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```latex
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\documentclass[a0paper,portrait]{baposter}
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```
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---
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## Printing and File Preparation
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### File Format
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**For Printing**:
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- **PDF**: Universal standard
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- **High resolution**: 300 dpi minimum, 600 dpi for photos
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- **Color space**: RGB for most printers (check with printer)
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- **Embed fonts**: Ensure all fonts embedded
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- **Flatten**: No transparency issues
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### Print Quality Checks
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Before printing:
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1. **Proofread**: Check for typos, errors
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2. **Colors**: Check in print preview
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3. **Resolution**: Zoom to 100%, check figure quality
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4. **Margins**: Verify nothing cut off
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5. **Test print**: Print small version (A4) to check layout
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### Print Providers
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**Options**:
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1. **University print shop**: Often cheapest, convenient
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2. **FedEx Office**: Widely available
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3. **Online services**:
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- Vistaprint
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- Printful
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- Academic Poster Printing (specialized)
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**Cost**: Typically $50-150 for A0 glossy poster
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### Paper Types
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| Paper Type | Description | Best For |
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|-----------|-------------|----------|
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| **Matte** | Non-reflective finish | Well-lit venues, minimal glare |
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| **Glossy** | Shiny, vibrant colors | Photos, colorful figures |
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| **Satin/Semi-gloss** | Between matte and glossy | Balanced option (recommended) |
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| **Fabric** | Wrinkle-resistant, rollable | Travel, re-use |
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**Recommendation**: **Satin or matte** for most academic posters
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---
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## QR Codes
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### What to Include
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Generate QR codes linking to:
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- **Paper PDF**: Published or preprint
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- **Supplementary materials**: Data, code, videos
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- **Personal website**: Lab or researcher page
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- **Video abstract**: 1-2 minute video summary
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- **Online version**: Interactive poster
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|
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### Placement
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- **Common locations**:
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- Bottom right corner
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- Next to references
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- Near contact information
|
||||
- **Size**: 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) square
|
||||
- **Label**: "Scan for paper" or "More info"
|
||||
|
||||
### QR Code Generators
|
||||
- QR Code Generator: https://www.qr-code-generator.com/
|
||||
- QRStuff: https://www.qrstuff.com/
|
||||
- LaTeX package: `qrcode` for generating in LaTeX
|
||||
|
||||
---
|
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## Design Best Practices
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### Do's
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|
||||
✓ **Use large fonts** (28pt+ for body text)
|
||||
✓ **Keep text minimal** (30-40% of poster)
|
||||
✓ **Use visuals** (60-70% figures, plots, images)
|
||||
✓ **Tell a story** (clear narrative flow)
|
||||
✓ **Colorblind-safe colors**
|
||||
✓ **Test readability** (view from 6 feet away)
|
||||
✓ **Include contact info** (email, QR code)
|
||||
✓ **Proofread** (multiple times!)
|
||||
|
||||
### Don'ts
|
||||
|
||||
✗ **Don't use small fonts** (<24pt body text)
|
||||
✗ **Don't overcrowd** (leave white space)
|
||||
✗ **Don't use complex tables** (simplify or visualize)
|
||||
✗ **Don't use full paragraphs** (use bullets)
|
||||
✗ **Don't use many fonts** (1-2 max)
|
||||
✗ **Don't use low-res images** (<300 dpi)
|
||||
✗ **Don't use red-green contrasts** (colorblind issue)
|
||||
✗ **Don't make it a paper** (posters ≠ papers)
|
||||
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
## Poster Presentation Tips
|
||||
|
||||
### During the Poster Session
|
||||
|
||||
1. **Stand by your poster**: Be available, engaged
|
||||
2. **Elevator pitch ready**: 1-2 minute summary prepared
|
||||
3. **Different depths**: Short version (1 min), medium (3 min), deep dive (10 min)
|
||||
4. **Engage visitors**: Ask questions, invite discussion
|
||||
5. **Business cards**: Have them ready
|
||||
6. **Notebook**: Record feedback, questions
|
||||
7. **Handouts**: Optional 1-page summary (with QR code)
|
||||
|
||||
### Talking Through Your Poster
|
||||
|
||||
**30-second version**:
|
||||
- What is the problem?
|
||||
- What did you do?
|
||||
- What did you find?
|
||||
|
||||
**2-minute version**:
|
||||
- Background + motivation
|
||||
- Methods (briefly)
|
||||
- Key result (show main figure)
|
||||
- Conclusion + implications
|
||||
|
||||
**5+ minute version**:
|
||||
- Full walkthrough
|
||||
- Address specific questions
|
||||
- Discuss limitations, future work
|
||||
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
## Accessibility Considerations
|
||||
|
||||
### Visual Accessibility
|
||||
|
||||
1. **Color contrast**: High contrast (4.5:1 minimum)
|
||||
2. **Colorblind-safe**: Use Okabe-Ito or similar palettes
|
||||
3. **Font size**: Large enough to read from distance
|
||||
4. **Font choice**: Clear, sans-serif fonts
|
||||
5. **Alt text**: Consider providing text description
|
||||
|
||||
### Physical Accessibility
|
||||
|
||||
1. **Mounting height**: Low enough for wheelchair users to read bottom
|
||||
2. **QR codes**: Provide alternative (short URL, handout)
|
||||
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
## Checklist Before Printing
|
||||
|
||||
- [ ] Proofread all text (typos, grammar)
|
||||
- [ ] Check author names and affiliations
|
||||
- [ ] Verify all figures are high resolution (300+ dpi)
|
||||
- [ ] Ensure colorblind-safe color schemes
|
||||
- [ ] Test readability from 6 feet away (print small version)
|
||||
- [ ] Verify poster dimensions match conference requirements
|
||||
- [ ] Check that fonts are embedded in PDF
|
||||
- [ ] Include contact information (email, QR code)
|
||||
- [ ] Add institutional logo
|
||||
- [ ] Verify references are accurate
|
||||
- [ ] Ensure figures have clear labels and captions
|
||||
- [ ] Check that layout is not too dense (adequate white space)
|
||||
- [ ] Verify QR codes work (test scan)
|
||||
- [ ] Confirm file is high-resolution PDF
|
||||
- [ ] Get feedback from colleagues
|
||||
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
## Example Poster Layouts
|
||||
|
||||
### Layout 1: Two-Column (Recommended for Most)
|
||||
|
||||
```
|
||||
+----------------------------------------+
|
||||
| TITLE |
|
||||
| Authors & Affiliations |
|
||||
+----------------------------------------+
|
||||
| INTRO | RESULTS |
|
||||
| | |
|
||||
| METHODS | RESULTS (cont.) |
|
||||
| | |
|
||||
| | DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS |
|
||||
+----------------------------------------+
|
||||
| REFERENCES | QR CODE |
|
||||
+----------------------------------------+
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
### Layout 2: Three-Column
|
||||
|
||||
```
|
||||
+---------------------------------------+
|
||||
| TITLE |
|
||||
| Authors & Affiliations |
|
||||
+---------------------------------------+
|
||||
| INTRO | RESULTS | DISCUSSION |
|
||||
| | | |
|
||||
| METHOD | RESULTS | CONCLUSIONS |
|
||||
| | | |
|
||||
| | RESULTS | FUTURE WORK |
|
||||
+---------------------------------------+
|
||||
| REFERENCES | QR CODE |
|
||||
+---------------------------------------+
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
### Layout 3: Horizontal Flow
|
||||
|
||||
```
|
||||
+----------------------------------------+
|
||||
| TITLE |
|
||||
| Authors & Affiliations |
|
||||
+----------------------------------------+
|
||||
| INTRODUCTION | METHODS |
|
||||
+----------------------------------------+
|
||||
| RESULTS |
|
||||
| (large figure spanning width) |
|
||||
+----------------------------------------+
|
||||
| DISCUSSION | CONCLUSIONS |
|
||||
+----------------------------------------+
|
||||
| REFERENCES | QR CODE |
|
||||
+----------------------------------------+
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
## Resources
|
||||
|
||||
### LaTeX Templates
|
||||
- `assets/posters/beamerposter_academic.tex`
|
||||
- `assets/posters/tikzposter_research.tex`
|
||||
- `assets/posters/baposter_conference.tex`
|
||||
|
||||
### Online Resources
|
||||
- Better Posters Blog: https://betterposters.blogspot.com/
|
||||
- Colorblind Safe Palettes: https://colorbrewer2.org/
|
||||
- BioRender (scientific illustrations): https://biorender.com/
|
||||
- Poster Design Guide (Colin Purrington): https://colinpurrington.com/tips/poster-design/
|
||||
|
||||
### Tools
|
||||
- **Inkscape**: Free vector graphics editor
|
||||
- **PowerPoint**: Surprisingly popular for posters
|
||||
- **Illustrator**: Professional design tool
|
||||
- **LaTeX**: Best for reproducibility, version control
|
||||
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
## Summary
|
||||
|
||||
**Key Takeaways**:
|
||||
|
||||
1. **Size**: Verify conference requirements (typically A0 or 36"×48")
|
||||
2. **Fonts**: Large (28pt+ body, 72pt+ title)
|
||||
3. **Layout**: 2-3 columns, generous white space
|
||||
4. **Visuals**: 60-70% visual content
|
||||
5. **Colors**: Colorblind-safe, high contrast
|
||||
6. **Content**: Tell a story, keep text minimal
|
||||
7. **Quality**: 300+ dpi, test print
|
||||
8. **Accessibility**: Readable from distance, clear hierarchy
|
||||
|
||||
**Remember**: A poster is **not a paper** - it's a visual summary designed to spark conversations!
|
||||
|
||||
Reference in New Issue
Block a user