Designing a research poster

The layout of a research poster refers to the structured arrangement of text, images, charts, and other visual elements in a way that guides the viewer through the research in a logical and visually appealing manner. A well-designed layout enhances readability, emphasizes key points, and ensures that the poster communicates effectively. Common layouts use grid-based structures to organize content into sections like Introduction, Methods, Results, and Conclusion, allowing for easy navigation and balanced visual presentation.

Miller JE. Preparing and presenting effective research posters. Health Serv Res. 2007 Feb;42(1 Pt 1):311-28. doi: 10.1111/j.1475-6773.2006.00588.x. PMID: 17355594; PMCID: PMC1955747.

Considering the following tips for the layout of a research poster:

1.  Organize the poster using a clear grid layout (typically 2-4 columns) to ensure a logical flow and balance.

2. Prioritize important information using large fonts for the title, bold headings for sections, and smaller fonts for body text.

3. Position the title prominently at the top, centered or left-aligned, so it's easily visible from a distance.

4. Arrange content in a logical order (left to right, top to bottom) to guide the viewer's eye through the Introduction, Methods, Results, and Conclusion.

5. Use a label for each section (e.g., Introduction, Methods, Results, Conclusion) with bold, large, and readable headings to improve clarity.

6. Leave enough white space around text, figures, and images to avoid clutter and improve readability.

7. Distribute text, images, and charts evenly across the poster to prevent any one section from appearing too crowded or too sparse.