At the 2023 Fall ACS meeting, as I stood proudly beside my scientific poster, my 9-year-old daughter, attending with me, posed an intriguing question: “Why do people need the poster if you’re explaining everything to them?” For a moment, I was taken aback. It’s the kind of pure, unfiltered inquiry that only children seem to master. Amid the hustle and bustle of a packed conference, I had to ponder the true purpose of my poster.
On the surface, I explained to her, in a noisy and chaotic environment like this, it can be hard for many people to read. My verbal explanation offers clarity, but the poster acts as a supporting player, providing text and graphics that can help bridge gaps in understanding. As I reflected further on our conversation, I realized there’s a deeper layer to her question, especially considering the diverse ways in which people process information.
The multifaceted role of scientific posters
- Visual aids for diverse minds: Different attendees process information differently. While some might find it challenging to concentrate on spoken words amidst the cacophony, others might struggle to visually process text in the same environment. A poster, paired with a verbal explanation, ensures that the research is accessible to as broad an audience as possible.
- A lasting impression: Even if attendees forget the minutiae of a verbal explanation, a well-designed poster can be memorable. It serves as a reference point, ensuring that the main concepts stick in the minds of those who see it.
- Engaging conversations: A striking poster can lure attendees, sparking discussions, collaborations, and fostering professional opportunities. It provides an organic conversation starter, ensuring that even those unfamiliar with the topic can engage in meaningful conversations.
- Support for the neurodivergent: The combined presentation mode caters especially to neurodivergent individuals. Those with auditory processing challenges might rely more heavily on the visual cues from the poster, while those who find visual processing overwhelming in such environments will benefit more from the verbal discourse.
The inclusive nature of poster sessions
Scientific poster sessions, with their unique blend of visual and verbal presentations, inherently cater to a wide array of cognitive processing preferences. They make complex scientific information accessible to both seasoned experts and curious newcomers. The inclusive nature of these sessions ensures that everyone, regardless of their information processing tendencies, can grasp the essence of the research being presented.
In retrospect, my daughter’s innocent question highlighted a crucial aspect of scientific communication that often goes unspoken. It reminded me of the importance of making our work understandable and accessible to everyone. After all, isn’t that the ultimate goal of science – to share knowledge as widely and inclusively as possible?
Making poster sessions more accessible
Accessibility in scientific communication is essential to ensure that knowledge reaches a broad audience, including those with disabilities. Poster sessions, a cornerstone of many academic conferences, can be enhanced to cater to diverse attendees. Here are some ways to make poster sessions more accessible:
Accessible color schemes:
- Contrast: Ensure there’s significant contrast between the background and the text. This can help those with visual impairments or color blindness. Tools like the WebAIM Contrast Checker can be used to ensure compliance with accessibility guidelines.
- Avoiding problematic colors: Red-green combinations can be problematic for those with color blindness. Opt for combinations like blue-yellow, which are generally more distinguishable.
- Desaturated colors: For graphs and charts, using colors that are less saturated can reduce visual fatigue and make elements distinct.
Large, readable fonts:
- Use bold fonts for headers and ensure the main content is in a font size that’s easily readable from a distance (I recommend 72 pt for titles, 60 pt for headers, 30 pt for body text, 18 pt for axis labels). This not only helps those with visual impairments but also allows attendees to skim the content quickly.
Clear layout and logical flow:
- Having a clear layout with numbered or arrowed sections ensures that attendees can easily follow the logical progression of your research.
Provide alternate formats:
- Offer QR codes linking to a digital version of the poster, which can be zoomed in on mobile devices or screen readers. This can be especially helpful for visually impaired attendees.
- Having a few braille versions of your abstract or key points can cater to those who are blind.
Interactive elements:
- Incorporate tactile or 3D elements, especially for key figures or data representations, which can be particularly helpful for visually impaired attendees.
Quiet spaces:
- Consider setting aside a quiet area nearby for neurodivergent attendees or those with auditory processing disorders. This space can be used for more in-depth, one-on-one discussions about the poster content.
Training and awareness:
- Ensure that presenters are trained in accessibility best practices, including speaking clearly, avoiding jargon, and being patient with questions.
By incorporating these practices, we can make poster sessions not only more inclusive but also more effective in communicating scientific research to a wider audience.