This table was made to accompany the reference: Russell, C. K., Gregory, D. M., & Gates, M. (1996). Aesthetics and substance in qualitative research posters. Qualitative Health Research, 6, 544-554.
| General | . | Follow guidelines
Secure artistic advice Consider transportability |
| Poster
Content |
Textual information to include: | Study purpose
Research questions Theoretical framework Research methods & procedures Data analysis Sample Findings Summary and implications |
| . | Author information to include: | Name(s)
Credentials Institutional affiliation(s) Visible placement |
| . | General tips on content | Readable in 2 to 5 minutes
Organized with (a) chunking or (b) listing Focused, clear, concise title and text Selective use of quotes (if applicable) |
| Poster
Materials |
Color | Use basic colors
Adequate use of white space Maximum of 2 or 3 colors per poster Cautious use of fluorescent colors Black print on white paper for most text |
| . | Matting | Single or double matting
Complementary color combinations Patterned borders |
| . | Construction | Attention to detail
Professionally printed (laser printer, typeset) Inconspicuous mounting to display board Proofread High quality, glare-free paper Non-distracting background Neat, orderly appearance |
| . | Supplementary materials | Sheet of paper for viewers to write on
General handouts List of references Authors' business cards Notebook with additional textual or graphical material |
| Poster
Text Formatting |
Print size | Readable from 4 to 6 feet
Titles at least 36-point size (2 to 3 inches) Section headings larger than body type Section titles in 30- to 36-point size (1 to 1.5 inches) Text in 24- to 30-point size (.5 to 1 inch) Consistent print size |
| . | Print type | Roman type style with serif type face
Judicious use of italicized, underlined, bolded, capitalized text Regular print (black on white) instead of reverse printing (white on black) |
| Poster
Component Arrangement |
Consider use of: | numbered panels
unique color or matting of different sections arrows to direct attention |
| . | Sequencing | Logic of sequencing should be readily
apparent
Typically proceed from top to bottom and left to right order Easy to follow and find sections |
| Poster
Visuals |
. | Strategic use of visual devices (such
as artwork, photographs, artifacts)
Logical choice of visuals Proper placement Sufficient number, without overload Adequate size |
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