Infographics and research posters are helpful tools for supporting knowledge mobilization. These formats often leverage visual elements, making them more appealing and engaging to a variety of audiences across different disciplines. For example, you may want to seek the attention of policymakers who can help implement the changes proposed in your research. Infographics and posters also require researchers to distill information in a concise manner and organize information in an easy-to-understand way. When displayed at conferences or public events, these resources can serve as a conversation starter.
An infographic is a type of visual communication that uses a combination of images, charts/diagrams, and text to convey information and data. An infographic can help viewers get a snapshot of research results. In fact, 65% of the population are visual learners (Research Impact Canada, n.d.). Symbols and pictures that accompany text, when used purposefully, help people retain more information.
• Adobe Express - Sign in with your Sheridan email address and single-sign-on login
• Canva
• Venngage
• Infographic Design for Knowledge Mobilization (Research Impact Canada)
This module helps you understand the role of infographics in knowledge mobilization, design principles for infographics, and summarizing research evidence for targeted and lay audiences.
• Infographics for Effective Knowledge Transfer (Dr. Simone Holligan)
Find different examples of infographics.
• Infographics Toolkit (UBC Public Humanities)
Guidance on using infographics for different purposes (advocacy, in the classroom, and accessible research dissemination).
• Virtual workshop: Infographics for Knowledge Mobilization (Research Impact Canada)
A YouTube video that covers different types of infographics, effective messaging, design principles, tools, and distribution options.
A research poster is a large format poster that summarizes your research study in a concise and visually appealing way. A poster usually includes the project title, author(s), purpose/introduction, methodology, findings, discussion, conclusion, references, and acknowledgements. It also includes a combination of text, graphics, charts, and/or images.
A poster presentation is a great entry into conference presentations for student researchers. This type of presentation is typically more informal and shorter in comparison to regular presentations. The presenter stands next to their poster and talks about their research to viewers who stop by their booth on a one-on-one or small group basis. A poster should complement the presenter's talk in a way that is easy to understand and engaging.
Consider these questions:
Below are some of the Sheridan faculty and student research posters available in SOURCE:
You may use PowerPoint to create a poster.
There are other tools available:
• Adobe InDesign - Sign in with your Sheridan email address and single-sign-on login.
• Canva
• Piktochart
• Creating an Effective Scientific Poster (University of Guelph)
This guide provides helpful information on creating a research poster for various disciplines. It includes suggestions on how to distill information, leverage design principles, and use graphics for impact.
• How to Create a Research Poster (NYU Libraries)
• Designing Conference Posters (Colin Purrington)
With practical tips and downloadable templates for landscape and portrait layouts.
• Research Posters & Creative Displays (University of Toronto Scarborough Library)
A comprehensive guide with tips on creating effective posters and presentations, templates, suggested tools, and video tutorials. Find resources on designing posters for the humanities, sciences, and social sciences.