Poster Preparation Guidelines

Key Elements of an Effective Poster

  • Instant clarity: Key messages should be immediately clear at a glance.
  • Readable from a distance: Important information should be legible from approximately 1.5 – 2 meters away.
  • Strong visual design: Use relevant images, consistent colour schemes, and easy-to-read fonts.
  • Clean, uniform layout: Maintain a neat, well-organized structure that’s visually appealing.
  • Clear attribution: Include your name, institutional affiliation, and any contributors or funding sources.
  • Concise content: Keep the word count between 300 and 800 to ensure clarity without overwhelming viewers.
  • Logical structure: Use headings, bullet points, and numbered sections to guide the reader.
  • Plain, precise language: Keep your writing straightforward and focused on the essentials.

Preparing a Poster

Recommended size: A0 (841mm × 1 189 mm)

  • Title: Choose a brief, engaging title that captures attention.
  • Introduction: Briefly present the core issue or research question. Limit background information and definitions. Conclude with the objectives of your study.
  • Methods: Clearly describe your study design, target population, and key methods (e.g., statistical, laboratory). Include a case definition if applicable.
  • Results:
    • Begin with descriptive data (e.g., response rate, age/sex distribution).
    • Focus on findings relevant to your hypothesis.
    • Use graphics that can stand alone with:
      • legibility from 1.5–2 meters (text ≥ 1 cm high, bold lines),
      • clear titles and legends,
      • minimal accompanying text,
      • effective use of whitespace,
      • limited colour palette (2–3 colours),
      • no unnecessary gridlines or elements.
  • Conclusions & Recommendations: Highlight the main findings, their significance, and potential biases. Provide practical takeaways or recommendations.
  • Acknowledgements & Contact: Recognize contributors and funders. Include your email for further information.