Take a few minutes before you print your poster to run through this quick checklist (or ask a friend) to identify areas of potential improvement. Just answer each question and add up your score.
- Does my poster have enough white space?
- (0) There is too much information to leave any white space
- (1) There is just enough to separate the sections
- (2) Sections are separated logically and the viewers’ eyes can rest
- Are the text and graphics legible?
- (0) Too small to be seen from at least three feet away
- (1) Can be seen from at least three feet, but do not stand out
- (2) Most important text and graphics legible from at least three feet
- Are the text and graphics consistent?
- (0) More than two fonts, size and/or colors are random
- (1) No more than two fonts, logical sizes and colors
- (2) Appropriate fonts, sizes and colors emphasize main point
- Is the flow of information logical?
- (0) No headings, scattered information, content does not flow
- (1) Confusing to navigate, headings or sections not systematic
- (2) Easy to navigate, headings and sections are systematic
- Can I quickly identify the research question?
- (0) No
- (1) Yes, but it's not explicit
- (2) Clearly visible
- Can I identify research methods?
- (0) No
- (1) Yes, but they're not explicit
- (2) Clearly visible
- Can I identify a take-home message or conclusion?
- (0) No
- (1) Yes, but it's not explicit
- (2) Clearly visible
- Have I clearly provided my contact information?
- (0) No contact information
- (1) Incomplete contact information, may not be easy to contact me
- (2) Complete contact information; easy for somebody to contact me
- Have I provided the proper acknowledgments?
- (0) No
- (1) Only partial acknowledgments
- (2) Proper acknowledgments of institutional supports and sponsors
- Have I shown the poster to my co-authors and/or faculty supervisor?
- (0) No
- (1) Only a few people; not everyone
- (2) Yes
Add up your scores
20 = Congratulations, you’re ready! Find out how to print your poster.
15-19 = You’re almost done. Where did you score less than a 2? Follow the links in the questions to the appropriate section in the poster guide for more information.
Less than 15 = You’re off to a good start, but you still have some work to do.
Many thanks to the University of Texas at Austin who created this scoring rubric.
