Organize Your Information

Divide your information into main sections, for example:
  Title
-
 concise name of poster, contributors, organization
  Introduction
-
 statement giving quick overview of poster
  Problem
-
 statement of the problem
  Method
-
 brief description of the processes and procedures 
  Results
-
 outcomes, findings, data 
  Conclusion
-
 summary, discussion of significance of results,
a few easily remembered key conclusions

Take each of these sections and summarize its contents into 3 categories:

  Heading
-
 title the audience will see first
  Statement
-
 one sentence relating to the heading, the audience will read this definition and should have and understanding of this particular section
  Support Material
-
 if the definition has sparked their interest, they will move on to this section which should include documentation and illustrations  
Edit, Edit, Edit!
  • eliminate all but the vital elements
  • educe your information to concise legible statements
  • whenever possible, reinterpret text as charts, graphs or illustrations
  • use point form as it is easier to read than sentences
Sketch Out Your Poster

Sketch a rough layout of your final poster indicating the placement of graphics and text. This will help you organize your space and determine if you need additional illustrations or less text.