Show no mercy when editing visual materials!
Once again, ruthless editing is very important.
Visual distractions increase fatigue and reduce the probability of veiwers giving the poster a thorough read.
- Restrained use of large type and/or colored text are the most effective means of emphasizing particular points.
- Use short sentences, simple words, and bullets to illustrate discrete points.
- Have the left edges of materials in a column aligned; center alignment produces ragged left & right edges. This makes reading the poster more difficult.
- Avoid using jargon, acronyms, or unusual abbreviations.
- Remove all non-essential information from graphs and tables (data curves not discussed by the poster; excess grid lines in tables)
- Label data lines in graphs directly, using large type & color. Eliminate legends and keys.
- Artful illustrations, luminous colors, or exquisite computer-rendered drawings do not substitute for CONTENT.
- Lines in illustrations should be larger than normal. Use contrast and colors for emphasis.
- Use colors to distinguish different data groups in graphs. Avoid using patterns or open bars in histograms.
- Use borders about 0.5 inches all around each figures. Border colors can be used to link related presentations of data.
- Colored transparency overlays are useful in comparing/contrasting graphic results
REVIEW the Illustrations page, or CONTINUE on to the Posters and Time Management and Recovery from Time Management Failure pages, or RETURN to Main Menu page
Jeff Radel
Last Update: July 1999