Final project

Guide to Creating a Research Poster and Abstract

Introduction

• This guide serves as a general toolkit for students working on academic and research

posters in the HCAD 600 course.

• These details encompass several essential elements, design principles, and presentation

techniques.

Topic Selection and Select one of the Options

• Choose Your Topic:

Pick a topic from the provided list provided in the classroom that is of interest to you.

• Define Your Focus:

After identifying a topic of interest, then select one of the options listed under your topic

selection.

Specify the contextual focus of your topic (must be from options listed in the classroom).

Key Elements of Your Poster

A research poster typically comprises several critical sections, each contributing to a

comprehensive overview of your project:

• Title:

Your title should be a succinct yet descriptive representation of your research.

o Use active tense and capitalize the first letter of major words, except for articles

unless they begin with the title.

• Author(s):

Begin with the presenter’s name, followed by other contributors in order of their

involvement. Highlight the presenting author(s) with all caps. Titles or degrees (e.g., Dr.,

Ph.D.) are omitted.

• Abstract:

A concise summary should be provided, outlining the background, research question,

methodology, results, and the significance of your findings.

• Background or Introduction:

Succinctly offer essential background information, utilizing bullet points for clarity.

• Hypothesis, Argument, or Research Question:

Clearly articulate your research premise or inquiry, supported by relevant background

information.

• Methodology or Approach:

Briefly describe your research methodology or theoretical approach, focusing on the

essential aspects without delving into exhaustive detail.

• Figures or Images:

Visual representations should be high-quality and relevant, each accompanied by a clear

title and, if necessary, a legend.

Guide to Creating a Research Poster and Abstract

All visual representations must be created by you.

• Results, Discussion, and/or Conclusions:

Summarize the key findings and their implications, acknowledging any alternative

explanations for your results.

• Future Directions:

Suggest potential future research avenues that stem from your findings.

• References:

List all cited sources following APA 7th Edition formatting.

Designing Your Poster

• Font Sizes and Choices:

Ensure readability with appropriate font sizes and clear font types (e.g., Arial, Calibri,

Times New Roman).

• Self-Created Visuals:

Incorporate figures or images that are directly relevant to your content, ensuring they are

of high resolution (≥300 dpi) to avoid blurriness.

• Color Scheme:

Use contrasting colors for text and background, ideally opting for a white background

with dark text for readability.

• Layout:

Arrange content in an organized manner, typically in columns, to facilitate easy

navigation.

Creating Your Poster with PowerPoint Example Approach

• Page Setup:

Begin by setting your slide to the desired poster size, ensuring it aligns with the

specifications of your conference or presentation venue.

• Content Insertion:

Utilize text boxes for textual content and insert high-resolution images or objects to

illustrate your points.

• Fine-tuning:

Adjust spacing, alignment, and size to achieve a balanced and engaging poster layout.