How to Make an Academic Poster for Computer Science: A Step-by-Step Guide for Undergraduates

Creating an academic poster is a great way to present your research findings, projects, or ideas at conferences, seminars, or other academic events. In the field of computer science, a well-designed poster can effectively convey complex information to your audience.

First of all Remember that the poster, like any presentation is a joint effort. You make up part this presentation. Prioritise figures over text, as you are there to explain this. Some people stick with Word or Publisher, but the website Canva is one that has been growing in popularity.

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create an impactful academic poster:

Step 1: Understand Your Audience and Purpose

Before you start designing your poster, it's crucial to understand your target audience and the purpose of your poster presentation. Consider the level of technical expertise your audience may have and tailor your content accordingly. If it is a final year project you can assume that the audience will be familiar with the field but maybe not the specific field you are promoting. If it is a JRA project then you can assume that the audience will not share a technical background.

Step 2: Plan Your Content

Determine the key points you want to communicate on your poster. For computer science, these could include research objectives, methodology, results, conclusions, and future work. Organize your content logically and make sure it tells a coherent story.

Step 3: Choose the Right Software

For designing your academic poster, you can use software like Microsoft PowerPoint, Adobe Illustrator, Canva, or specialized tools like LaTeX with Beamer. Choose the tool you're most comfortable with and that provides the flexibility you need. Personally, I started off using Microsoft Publisher and then switched to Canva which I much prefer.

Step 4: Set Up the Poster Layout

Posters are typically designed in landscape orientation. This can vary based on event requirements. Create your poster canvas with the correct dimensions.

Step 5: Design Elements

5.1 Title and Authors

Place a clear, concise title at the top of your poster. Below the title, list the names of the authors, affiliations, and contact information.

5.2 Introduction

Introduce your research problem or project. Clearly state the motivation behind your work and what you aim to achieve.

5.3 Methodology

Explain your approach, algorithms, techniques, or methodologies used. Use visuals like flowcharts or diagrams to simplify complex concepts.

5.4 Results

Present your findings using graphs, charts, and tables. Make sure your visuals are easy to understand and label everything appropriately.

5.5 Discussion and Conclusion

Interpret your results and discuss their implications. Highlight the significance of your findings. Conclude with a summary of your work and potential future directions.

5.6 References

Include references to relevant literature or sources that informed your work.

Step 6: Visual Design

6.1 Layout

Organize your content in a grid-based layout. Use columns and rows to guide the reader's eye naturally from left to right.

6.2 Color Scheme

Choose a harmonious color palette that's easy on the eyes and conveys a professional look. Use colors to highlight important information and create visual hierarchy.

6.3 Fonts

Use readable fonts for headings and body text. Avoid using too many font styles; two or three fonts are usually sufficient.

6.4 Images and Graphics

Incorporate relevant images, graphs, and diagrams. Ensure they are of high quality and effectively convey information.

Step 7: Proofread and Revise

Thoroughly proofread your poster for grammatical errors, typos, and clarity. Seek feedback from peers or mentors and make necessary revisions. As a general rule, go back and start removing text. It is nearly certain that you have written too much text already! A poster is only half the poster presentation, you are the other half. Too many words will give viewers a headache making them avoid your psoter.

Step 8: Printing

Once your poster is ready, export it to a high-resolution PDF file. Ensure that all images and text appear as intended. Many universities or print shops offer large-format printing services.

Step 9: Presentation

During the event, be prepared to present your poster. Practice a brief overview of your work and be ready to answer questions. Honestly, as long as you have done your own project you will be able to explain it. Just don't make any claims you can't back up!

Step 10: Engage with Your Audience

Engage with attendees who visit your poster. Explain your work, answer questions, and have discussions about your findings.

Remember, the key to an effective academic poster is to balance visual appeal with informative content. By following these steps, you'll create a compelling poster that effectively communicates your computer science research to a diverse audience.

Examples:

^ Won first place within the 2022 cohort (though still a bit too much text!)

Written by Dexter Shepherd