Presenting Information: Images, Facts, and Data

Abstract

This chapter looks at the use of text and imagery in posters. In particular it considers emotions and rhetoric, and how these influence our choice of both words and images. Practical advice is given on how to create high quality images, and also the legal issues of copyright when reproducing images from other sources. Tables, graphs and other ways to represent data are considered, along with data-visualization techniques that can help convey information, without the need for excessive text. An example is provided of how considerations of form, text and imagery can be combined in conference posters, without reverting to text-heavy posters which are unappealing to look at. In previous chapters we have determined that visual-textual balance is a vital issue when presenting a conference poster. The successful combination of text and image not only attracts attention, but also presents information in a way that is engaging and user-friendly. Handcrafting aesthetically compelling layouts still remains challenging for many, and this often results in text-heavy posters that fail to attract attention. Although the main poster elements are often defined by the conference organizer (e.g. IMRAD formatting and poster dimensions), it is still possible to compile presentations that steer away from the ubiquitous 'abstract writ large'. Both the 'story' and 'core' layouts which featured in the previous chapter can effectively use imagery to facilitate a better reading experience, and also to improve the poster's potential to effectively transfer knowledge. However, simply adding a few 'pictures' to an abstract is not the same as designing a poster. It is often argued that we are foremostly scientists, academics etc., yet if we are looking to present work with the genuine purpose of engaging attention and 'selling' our message, then design is an issue we cannot afford to ignore.