Academic posters are a powerful way to communicate research, and they offer options that conventional papers don’t. Instead of long paragraphs, posters need to be visually engaging and easy to navigate. The goal is to grab attention, spark interest and invite discussion—all within seconds. This means they require a different approach in selecting and communicating your message. Here’s how to make your poster appealing, to-the-point and accessible to a diverse audience.
Highlight your core message
What’s the most important takeaway from your research? Instead of trying to include everything, focus on a single key idea that will resonate with your audience. Ask yourself: If someone only remembers one thing from my poster, what should it be? Use concise language to highlight why your research matters and how it connects to real-world issues.
Organize for quick understanding
Posters should be easy to scan. A traditional structure (introduction, methods, results, discussion) works, but depending on your research and main message, you can also organize content by themes, a timeline, or a problem-solution approach. Use clear headings, bullet points and logical flow to help viewers grasp your message at a glance. The ASC can help you with organizing and condensing your message.
Make it visually engaging
Posters give you a great opportunity to be creative and communicate in ways beyond words. Use this! Consider how images and graphs can concisely communicate key points about your research and experience. Use high-contrast colors for readability, whitespace to avoid clutter, and keep fonts large enough to be read from a few feet away. Digital Scholarship learning offers support with design tools (such as Canva).
Ensure proper attribution
Any content that isn’t yours—images, charts, or data—must be properly credited. Use citations for research sources and ensure you have permission for visuals. Unsure about copyright rules? Reach out to the university’s copyright office for guidance to avoid accidental infringement.
To learn more about this topic and to get help
Book a free in-person or online appointment with an academic skills advisor at the Academic Skills Centre!