Effective Design on One Page

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First Impressions

Design is eye-catching and engaging

Posters are typically presented at large events with many other presenters. Your first goal is to capture the attention of the event attendees with an engaging design.Ìý

Title is short and readable from a distanceÌý

If attendees can read and understand your title from a distance, they’re more likely to approach you and check out your poster.Ìý

Maintains a consistent style throughoutÌý

Consistent design can make your poster more attractive and easier to scan and read quickly.Ìý

Uses accessible color choices with strong contrastsÌý

Pay attention to the contrast between your colors (light/dark), avoid busy patterns in your background, and keep in mind those with visual impairments.Ìý

Readability

Language is clear and understandable by non-specialists

Make your point in as few words as possible and avoid Ìýjargon (discipline-specific words) to help others understand your work quickly.

Data is in figures and/or tables

Avoid putting numbers and other important data in the text of your poster, which can make it difficult to find and understand. ÌýSome may not read your text, so they might miss your data.

Uses bullet points and numbering when possible

Bullet points and numbered lists can make it easier to scan and read your poster.

Uses clear, readable fonts in titles, headings and text

Limit yourself to one or two fonts and be sure to scale your text to the poster size.

Common Elements

Title with Author(s) and Affiliation

Highlights you and the topic of your work

Abstract

Provides a brief summary of your work

Introduction

Provides some background for your work

Methods

Explains the way you went about your work

Results/Data

Shows the key findings or insights from your work

Conclusions/Next Steps

Highlights insights and the potential for more work

Acknowledgements

Highlights who supported your work

References

Lists the sources you cited on your poster

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How to Design & Present an Effective Poster Presentation

Call for Participants

Developed and hosted in Boulder since 2018, UROP's Sidewalk Symposium invites undergraduates to share their research and creative presentations with chalk on campus walkways. UROP welcomes undergraduates at any stage of their project to participate.

Register for UROP's Sidewalk Symposium by Oct.5, 2026

Celebrating 40 Years

Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder has an expansive history engaging undergraduates in the research and creative life of the campus dating to the creation of UROP in 1986.

Celebrating 40 Years of Opportunities