Why Make a Poster?
A poster is a visual representation of your research. Your poster should:
- be eye-catching
- tell the story of your research - concisely
- enable the viewer to engage with your research
The viewer should walk away remembering you and your work, not the way the poster looked.
Examples of Effective Posters
"A Novel Approach to Campus Health and Wellness: The UCLA Healthy Campus Initiative," by Tyler D. Watson and Ryan Babadi. Click to enlarge.
What You Need
Most people use Microsoft Powerpoint to design their posters - it's a common program that's easy to use. In this guide, we'll assume that you're using Powerpoint.
If you'd like to explore other options, you could also use graphic design software such as Photoshop or InDesign, or a program meant specifically for creating posters.
Advice from the Web
- Poster PerfectAn article from The Scientist Magazine with tips on effective poster design.
- Ten Simple Rules for a Good Poster PresentationThis article also includes advice on the poster session itself.
- APHA Guidelines for Accessible PostersRules for accessible poster presentations.
- Designing Conference PostersThis page has lots of great advice on poster design.
UCLA Undergraduate Poster Information
- UCLA Undergraduate Research Center-Presenting Your ResearchGeneral tips on poster design from the Undergraduate Research Center.
- URC WorkshopsIf you're a UCLA undergraduate, you can attend a URC-sponsored abstract or poster workshop in Spring quarter.