Research poster design:
an infographic approach
Insights and tips into the poster design process
A tutorial written and produced by Sam Walter, Founder of Festoon Studios
What’s it all about?
This tutorial series will delve into the methods and considerations we employ when designing posters. It's tailored for academics assembling their research posters but also caters to anyone keen on visually presenting their research.
Introduction
I’ve been producing infographics for a number of years now. I enjoy learning about different concepts in research but struggle reading long passages of text. I’m on a mission to put together resources to help the research community improve their visual engagement through graphic design, making it easier to understand core research concepts.
In this video, I would like to show you how I go about putting together a research-based poster design in a way that I hope will give a bit of inspiration to those putting one together. Whether it's being more visual, editing down what you’re trying to say a bit more, or using visual analogies - there are lots of different methods to try. I’m going to talk you through my approach to an example project in the hope it will be a useful resource for you and your research in the future.
This is not necessarily a process that you would replicate but hopefully will provide insights and inspiration.
Who is this tutorial for?
A. Researchers making a poster to communicate their research.
Let your poster explain the bigger picture without you saying a word. The tutorial explores theories and ideation techniques, helping you to present your research visually.
B. Anyone designing a research-based poster.
If you’re responsible for design in your project this will help you think conceptually, using an infographic-led approach for your designs. Suitable for experienced designer or those just starting out.
What will I learn?
In today's digital age, how your work is presented matters as much as the content itself. Catching and retaining the attention of your audience is more challenging than ever.
How to make my research or project stand out with creative concepts.
Effective ways to convey complex ideas visually.
Make my work easier for a broader audience to understand.
Understand how using design could help communicate your research.
This tutorial aims to guide researchers, educators, students, and professionals in enhancing their work's presentation through compelling visuals.
Benefits of infographic design
The power of a well-designed infographic lies in its ability to simplify complex ideas, making them more digestible and appealing to the viewer. By visually representing data and information, infographics allow for quicker comprehension and can evoke a stronger emotional connection with the audience.
Here are some benefits of integrating infographics into your research presentation:
Increased engagement: Capture attention more effectively than plain text.
Better retention: Studies have shown that visual information is more easily remembered than written content.
Clarity in communication: There’s less room for misinterpretation as the visual cues guide comprehension.
Universal understanding: Make your research accessible to a broader audience.
Time efficiency: Readers can grasp the main points of your research at a glance.
