Infographics and Research Posters: Design Tips

Both infographics and research posters are ways to visually represent information that you want to share with an audience. Both provide information in a graphical and easy to understand way. You will see infographics all over the internet. Research posters are used more in academic settings, but employ many of the same strategies to convey information.

The design tips on this page apply to both infographics and research posters, or really any time you are visually representing information. 

1. Don't use too much text

This is one of the biggest mistakes that someone can make when creating an infographic or a poster is using too much text. A lot of text is boring to look at and hard to read. Remember that the purpose of an infographic or a poster is so that readers can get the information quickly and easily. They shouldn't have to read through a lot of text. 

2. Use Images

Images are a great way to visually convey information. You can find images on the web, but do be aware of copyright. If you use images solely for school assignments, you generally do not have to worry about getting copyright permissions but you STILL HAVE TO CITE the source of your photo.

3. Font size and style

For any text you do use, our font size should be at least 24 in an easily readable font. 

4. Remember "KISS"

A good rule of thumb for posters is the KISS Principle: Keep It Simple, Stupid! Basically, keep your infographic or poster easy to read, free of jargon and stick to the most interesting and important aspects of the information you want to convey.

5. Break it up

Use boxes and sections to logically divide your infographic or poster. 

Color

Color is an important design element. Choosing the wrong colors can be distracting and unpleasing to the eye. If you find a color you like, grab the HEX value, which is a value that represents an exact color, so that you can use that exact color in your project. A HEX value will look something like: #FF5733. It can be a combination of both letters and numbers.

Fonts

Fonts can help add to the aesthetic of your design. Poorly chosen fonts that are hard to read or too small can make it hard for your reader to get information from your project.

Images and Icons

Most design software will come with images and icons that you can use on your poster or infographic, but if you need images or icons not available through the software, these resources can help. Always note the usage license on the item and cite appropriately.