@pikaa-ai/pikaa 0.2.5 → 0.3.0

package/skills/venue-templates/references/posters_guidelines.md

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+# Research Poster Guidelines
+
+Comprehensive guidelines for creating effective academic research posters including sizing, layout, typography, and design best practices.
+
+**Reviewed**: 2026-07-20
+
+Poster dimensions and upload rules are event-specific. Confirm the current presenter instructions before choosing a size, orientation, or file format.
+
+---
+
+## Standard Poster Sizes
+
+### International Sizes (ISO 216)
+
+| Size | Dimensions (mm) | Dimensions (inches) | Common Use |
+|------|----------------|---------------------|------------|
+| **A0** | 841 × 1189 | 33.1 × 46.8 | Most common international standard |
+| **A1** | 594 × 841 | 23.4 × 33.1 | Smaller conferences, travel-friendly |
+| **A2** | 420 × 594 | 16.5 × 23.4 | Mini posters, small venues |
+
+### US Sizes
+
+| Size | Dimensions (inches) | Dimensions (mm) | Common Use |
+|------|-------------------|-----------------|------------|
+| **36" × 48"** | 36 × 48 | 914 × 1219 | Common US conference size (portrait) |
+| **42" × 56"** | 42 × 56 | 1067 × 1422 | Large format US posters |
+| **48" × 36"** | 48 × 36 | 1219 × 914 | Landscape orientation |
+| **48" × 96"** | 48 × 96 | 1219 × 2438 | Extra-wide format |
+
+### Other Common Sizes
+
+| Size | Dimensions | Notes |
+|------|-----------|-------|
+| **90 cm × 120 cm** | 900 × 1200 mm / 35.4 × 47.2 in | Common in Europe |
+| **40" × 30"** | 1016 × 762 mm | Landscape format |
+| **3 ft × 4 ft** | 914 × 1219 mm / 36 × 48 in | Same as 36×48 |
+
+### Orientation
+
+- **Portrait**: Most common (height > width)
+  - Better for long visual flows (top to bottom)
+  - Examples: A0, 36"×48"
+- **Landscape**: Less common but sometimes preferred
+  - Better for wide content, timelines
+  - Examples: 48"×36", 40"×30"
+
+**Always verify**: Check conference specifications before designing!
+
+---
+
+## Typography and Font Sizes
+
+### Recommended Font Sizes by Distance
+
+Posters are viewed from 3-6 feet (1-2 meters) away:
+
+| Element | Size Range | Recommended |
+|---------|-----------|-------------|
+| **Title** | 60-85 pt | 72-85 pt |
+| **Author Names** | 48-60 pt | 54 pt |
+| **Affiliations** | 32-40 pt | 36 pt |
+| **Section Headers** | 36-48 pt | 42 pt |
+| **Body Text** | 24-32 pt | 28 pt |
+| **Figure Captions** | 20-24 pt | 22 pt |
+| **References** | 18-22 pt | 20 pt |
+
+### Font Families
+
+**Sans-Serif (Recommended for Posters)**:
+- Arial
+- Helvetica
+- Calibri
+- Futura
+- Gill Sans
+- **Why**: Clean, readable at distance
+
+**Serif (Use Sparingly)**:
+- Times New Roman
+- Georgia
+- Palatino
+- **When**: Body text if preferred, but sans-serif better for headers
+
+**Monospace**:
+- Courier New
+- Consolas
+- **When**: Code snippets only
+
+### Typography Best Practices
+
+1. **Limit fonts**: Use 1-2 font families maximum
+2. **Hierarchy**: Establish clear size hierarchy
+3. **Weight**: Use bold for emphasis, not italics
+4. **Alignment**: Left-align body text, center title
+5. **Spacing**: Generous line spacing (1.2-1.5)
+6. **Consistency**: Same fonts for similar elements
+
+---
+
+## Layout and Design Principles
+
+### Grid-Based Layouts
+
+**Column Structures**:
+
+| Layout | Columns | Best For |
+|--------|---------|----------|
+| **Single Column** | 1 | Simple, linear flow; timeline posters |
+| **Two Column** | 2 | Most common; balanced layout |
+| **Three Column** | 3 | Dense content; multi-part studies |
+| **Four Column** | 4 | Very dense; avoid if possible |
+
+**Recommended**: **2 or 3 columns** for most research posters
+
+### Visual Flow
+
+**Reading Order** (Western conventions):
+1. Top to bottom
+2. Left to right
+3. Z-pattern or F-pattern
+
+**Section Ordering** (typical):
+```
++----------------------------------+
+|            TITLE                 |
+|     Authors, Affiliations        |
++----------------------------------+
+| Introduction | Results           |
+|              |                   |
+| Methods      | Discussion        |
+|              |                   |
+| [Optional]   | Conclusions       |
++----------------------------------+
+|         References / QR Code     |
++----------------------------------+
+```
+
+### Spacing and Margins
+
+- **Outer margins**: 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) all sides
+- **Column spacing**: 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm)
+- **Inter-section spacing**: 0.5-1 inch
+- **White space**: 30-40% of poster should be white space
+
+**Avoid**: Dense, text-heavy layouts with minimal white space
+
+---
+
+## Color Schemes
+
+### Colorblind-Safe Palettes
+
+Use colorblind-friendly color combinations:
+
+**Okabe-Ito Palette** (Recommended):
+- Orange: `#E69F00`
+- Sky Blue: `#56B4E9`
+- Bluish Green: `#009E73`
+- Yellow: `#F0E442`
+- Blue: `#0072B2`
+- Vermillion: `#D55E00`
+- Reddish Purple: `#CC79A7`
+- Black: `#000000`
+- Gray: `#999999`
+
+**Viridis Palette** (sequential):
+- Good for heatmaps and gradients
+- Colorblind-safe and perceptually uniform
+
+### Color Usage Guidelines
+
+**Background**:
+- **White or light gray**: Most common, professional
+- **Light colored**: Pale blue, beige (use cautiously)
+- **Avoid dark backgrounds**: Harder to read, expensive to print
+
+**Text**:
+- **Dark on light**: Black or dark gray text on white/light backgrounds
+- **Contrast ratio**: At least 4.5:1 (WCAG AA standard)
+
+**Accent Colors**:
+- Use 2-3 accent colors maximum
+- Section headers, key findings
+- Consistent throughout poster
+
+**Figures**:
+- Colorblind-safe palettes
+- Sufficient contrast
+- Test in grayscale
+
+### Color Contrast Tools
+- WebAIM Contrast Checker: https://webaim.org/resources/contrastchecker/
+- Coblis (Color Blindness Simulator): https://www.color-blindness.com/coblis-color-blindness-simulator/
+
+---
+
+## Content Structure
+
+### Essential Sections
+
+#### 1. Title Section
+- **Title**: Clear, specific, engaging
+- **Authors**: Names (underline presenting author)
+- **Affiliations**: Institutions, departments
+- **Logo**: Institutional logo (corner)
+- **Contact**: Email, QR code to paper/website
+
+#### 2. Introduction/Background
+- **Purpose**: Context and motivation
+- **Length**: 100-200 words
+- **Include**: 
+  - Problem statement
+  - Research gap
+  - Objectives/hypothesis
+
+#### 3. Methods
+- **Purpose**: How you did the study
+- **Format**: 
+  - Bullet points preferred
+  - Flow diagram if complex
+  - Key parameters
+- **Include**: Sample size, procedures, analysis
+
+#### 4. Results
+- **Purpose**: What you found
+- **Format**: Primarily visual (figures, tables, charts)
+- **Include**:
+  - Key findings (2-4 main results)
+  - Statistical significance
+  - Visual evidence
+
+#### 5. Discussion/Conclusions
+- **Purpose**: What it means
+- **Length**: 100-200 words
+- **Include**:
+  - Interpretation
+  - Implications
+  - Limitations
+  - Future work
+
+#### 6. References
+- **Format**: Small font, abbreviated citations
+- **Include**: Key citations only (5-10)
+- **Style**: Any consistent style
+
+### Optional Sections
+- **Abstract**: Sometimes included, often omitted
+- **Acknowledgments**: Funding, collaborators
+- **Future Work**: Next steps
+
+---
+
+## Visual Elements
+
+### Figures and Plots
+
+**Principles**:
+1. **Simplify**: Remove clutter, emphasize key points
+2. **Enlarge**: Make larger than in paper
+3. **Label clearly**: Large axis labels, legends
+4. **Standalone**: Each figure tells a complete story
+5. **High resolution**: 300 dpi minimum
+
+**Figure Types**:
+- **Photographs**: High quality, cropped appropriately
+- **Graphs**: Bar charts, line plots, scatter plots
+- **Heatmaps**: Use colorblind-safe colormaps
+- **Schematics**: Diagrams, flowcharts
+- **Tables**: Simple tables (complex tables → figure)
+
+### Tables
+
+**When to Use**:
+- Precise numerical values needed
+- Comparisons across conditions
+- Summary statistics
+
+**Best Practices**:
+- **Keep simple**: 3-5 columns, 5-10 rows maximum
+- **Large fonts**: Same size as body text
+- **Clear headers**: Bold column/row headers
+- **Alternating rows**: Light shading for readability
+- **Minimal lines**: Horizontal lines only (no vertical)
+
+### Icons and Graphics
+
+**Use**:
+- Icons for visual interest (methods, concepts)
+- Simple graphics to break text
+- Arrows to guide flow
+
+**Sources**:
+- Noun Project: https://thenounproject.com/
+- BioRender: https://biorender.com/ (scientific illustrations)
+- Font Awesome: https://fontawesome.com/ (icons)
+
+**Caution**: Don't overuse; maintain professionalism
+
+---
+
+## LaTeX Poster Packages
+
+### beamerposter
+
+**Description**: Extension of Beamer for posters  
+**Best For**: Academic conferences, classic layout  
+**Pros**: 
+- Familiar to Beamer users
+- Clean, professional appearance
+- Many themes available
+
+**Cons**:
+- Less flexible than tikzposter
+- Can be verbose
+
+**Template**: `assets/posters/beamerposter_academic.tex`
+
+**Example Usage**:
+```latex
+\documentclass[final]{beamer}
+\usepackage[size=a0,scale=1.24]{beamerposter}
+\usetheme{Berlin}
+```
+
+---
+
+### tikzposter
+
+**Description**: Modern poster package using TikZ  
+**Best For**: Colorful, modern designs  
+**Pros**:
+- Highly customizable
+- Modern, attractive themes
+- Block-based layout
+
+**Cons**:
+- Steeper learning curve
+- Can be slow to compile
+
+**Bundled template**: None. Start from the current `tikzposter` package documentation or an event-provided template.
+
+**Example Usage**:
+```latex
+\documentclass[25pt, a0paper, portrait]{tikzposter}
+\usetheme{Autumn}
+\usecolorstyle{Denmark}
+```
+
+---
+
+### baposter
+
+**Description**: Box-and-poster system  
+**Best For**: Structured, multi-column layouts  
+**Pros**:
+- Excellent column control
+- Header boxes, structured layout
+- Good for dense content
+
+**Cons**:
+- Complex syntax
+- Less commonly used
+
+**Bundled template**: None. Start from the current `baposter` package documentation or an event-provided template.
+
+**Example Usage**:
+```latex
+\documentclass[a0paper,portrait]{baposter}
+```
+
+---
+
+## Printing and File Preparation
+
+### File Format
+
+**For Printing**:
+- **PDF**: Universal standard
+- **High resolution**: 300 dpi minimum, 600 dpi for photos
+- **Color space**: RGB for most printers (check with printer)
+- **Embed fonts**: Ensure all fonts embedded
+- **Flatten**: No transparency issues
+
+### Print Quality Checks
+
+Before printing:
+1. **Proofread**: Check for typos, errors
+2. **Colors**: Check in print preview
+3. **Resolution**: Zoom to 100%, check figure quality
+4. **Margins**: Verify nothing cut off
+5. **Test print**: Print small version (A4) to check layout
+
+### Print Providers
+
+**Options**:
+1. **University print shop**: Often cheapest, convenient
+2. **FedEx Office**: Widely available
+3. **Online services**: 
+   - Vistaprint
+   - Printful
+   - Academic Poster Printing (specialized)
+
+**Cost**: Typically $50-150 for A0 glossy poster
+
+### Paper Types
+
+| Paper Type | Description | Best For |
+|-----------|-------------|----------|
+| **Matte** | Non-reflective finish | Well-lit venues, minimal glare |
+| **Glossy** | Shiny, vibrant colors | Photos, colorful figures |
+| **Satin/Semi-gloss** | Between matte and glossy | Balanced option (recommended) |
+| **Fabric** | Wrinkle-resistant, rollable | Travel, re-use |
+
+**Recommendation**: **Satin or matte** for most academic posters
+
+---
+
+## QR Codes
+
+### What to Include
+
+Generate QR codes linking to:
+- **Paper PDF**: Published or preprint
+- **Supplementary materials**: Data, code, videos
+- **Personal website**: Lab or researcher page
+- **Video abstract**: 1-2 minute video summary
+- **Online version**: Interactive poster
+
+### Placement
+
+- **Common locations**: 
+  - Bottom right corner
+  - Next to references
+  - Near contact information
+- **Size**: 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) square
+- **Label**: "Scan for paper" or "More info"
+
+### QR Code Generators
+- QR Code Generator: https://www.qr-code-generator.com/
+- QRStuff: https://www.qrstuff.com/
+- LaTeX package: `qrcode` for generating in LaTeX
+
+---
+
+## Design Best Practices
+
+### Do's
+
+✓ **Use large fonts** (28pt+ for body text)  
+✓ **Keep text minimal** (30-40% of poster)  
+✓ **Use visuals** (60-70% figures, plots, images)  
+✓ **Tell a story** (clear narrative flow)  
+✓ **Colorblind-safe colors**  
+✓ **Test readability** (view from 6 feet away)  
+✓ **Include contact info** (email, QR code)  
+✓ **Proofread** (multiple times!)
+
+### Don'ts
+
+✗ **Don't use small fonts** (<24pt body text)  
+✗ **Don't overcrowd** (leave white space)  
+✗ **Don't use complex tables** (simplify or visualize)  
+✗ **Don't use full paragraphs** (use bullets)  
+✗ **Don't use many fonts** (1-2 max)  
+✗ **Don't use low-res images** (<300 dpi)  
+✗ **Don't use red-green contrasts** (colorblind issue)  
+✗ **Don't make it a paper** (posters ≠ papers)
+
+---
+
+## Poster Presentation Tips
+
+### During the Poster Session
+
+1. **Stand by your poster**: Be available, engaged
+2. **Elevator pitch ready**: 1-2 minute summary prepared
+3. **Different depths**: Short version (1 min), medium (3 min), deep dive (10 min)
+4. **Engage visitors**: Ask questions, invite discussion
+5. **Business cards**: Have them ready
+6. **Notebook**: Record feedback, questions
+7. **Handouts**: Optional 1-page summary (with QR code)
+
+### Talking Through Your Poster
+
+**30-second version**:
+- What is the problem?
+- What did you do?
+- What did you find?
+
+**2-minute version**:
+- Background + motivation
+- Methods (briefly)
+- Key result (show main figure)
+- Conclusion + implications
+
+**5+ minute version**:
+- Full walkthrough
+- Address specific questions
+- Discuss limitations, future work
+
+---
+
+## Accessibility Considerations
+
+### Visual Accessibility
+
+1. **Color contrast**: High contrast (4.5:1 minimum)
+2. **Colorblind-safe**: Use Okabe-Ito or similar palettes
+3. **Font size**: Large enough to read from distance
+4. **Font choice**: Clear, sans-serif fonts
+5. **Alt text**: Consider providing text description
+
+### Physical Accessibility
+
+1. **Mounting height**: Low enough for wheelchair users to read bottom
+2. **QR codes**: Provide alternative (short URL, handout)
+
+---
+
+## Checklist Before Printing
+
+- [ ] Proofread all text (typos, grammar)
+- [ ] Check author names and affiliations
+- [ ] Verify all figures are high resolution (300+ dpi)
+- [ ] Ensure colorblind-safe color schemes
+- [ ] Test readability from 6 feet away (print small version)
+- [ ] Verify poster dimensions match conference requirements
+- [ ] Check that fonts are embedded in PDF
+- [ ] Include contact information (email, QR code)
+- [ ] Add institutional logo
+- [ ] Verify references are accurate
+- [ ] Ensure figures have clear labels and captions
+- [ ] Check that layout is not too dense (adequate white space)
+- [ ] Verify QR codes work (test scan)
+- [ ] Confirm file is high-resolution PDF
+- [ ] Get feedback from colleagues
+
+---
+
+## Example Poster Layouts
+
+### Layout 1: Two-Column (Recommended for Most)
+
+```
++----------------------------------------+
+|              TITLE                     |
+|      Authors & Affiliations            |
++----------------------------------------+
+|  INTRO    |  RESULTS                   |
+|           |                            |
+|  METHODS  |  RESULTS (cont.)           |
+|           |                            |
+|           |  DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS    |
++----------------------------------------+
+|        REFERENCES    |    QR CODE      |
++----------------------------------------+
+```
+
+### Layout 2: Three-Column
+
+```
++---------------------------------------+
+|              TITLE                    |
+|      Authors & Affiliations           |
++---------------------------------------+
+| INTRO  | RESULTS | DISCUSSION         |
+|        |         |                    |
+| METHOD | RESULTS | CONCLUSIONS        |
+|        |         |                    |
+|        | RESULTS | FUTURE WORK        |
++---------------------------------------+
+|    REFERENCES       |   QR CODE       |
++---------------------------------------+
+```
+
+### Layout 3: Horizontal Flow
+
+```
++----------------------------------------+
+|              TITLE                     |
+|      Authors & Affiliations            |
++----------------------------------------+
+|  INTRODUCTION    |    METHODS          |
++----------------------------------------+
+|           RESULTS                      |
+|    (large figure spanning width)       |
++----------------------------------------+
+|  DISCUSSION      |   CONCLUSIONS       |
++----------------------------------------+
+|        REFERENCES    |    QR CODE      |
++----------------------------------------+
+```
+
+---
+
+## Resources
+
+### LaTeX Templates
+- `assets/posters/beamerposter_academic.tex`
+
+This is the only poster template bundled with the skill. `tikzposter` and `baposter` remain possible external authoring packages, but no local templates are provided for them.
+
+### Online Resources
+- Better Posters Blog: https://betterposters.blogspot.com/
+- Colorblind Safe Palettes: https://colorbrewer2.org/
+- BioRender (scientific illustrations): https://biorender.com/
+- Poster Design Guide (Colin Purrington): https://colinpurrington.com/tips/poster-design/
+
+### Tools
+- **Inkscape**: Free vector graphics editor
+- **PowerPoint**: Surprisingly popular for posters
+- **Illustrator**: Professional design tool
+- **LaTeX**: Best for reproducibility, version control
+
+---
+
+## Summary
+
+**Key Takeaways**:
+
+1. **Size**: Verify conference requirements (typically A0 or 36"×48")
+2. **Fonts**: Large (28pt+ body, 72pt+ title)
+3. **Layout**: 2-3 columns, generous white space
+4. **Visuals**: 60-70% visual content
+5. **Colors**: Colorblind-safe, high contrast
+6. **Content**: Tell a story, keep text minimal
+7. **Quality**: 300+ dpi, test print
+8. **Accessibility**: Readable from distance, clear hierarchy
+
+**Remember**: A poster is **not a paper** - it's a visual summary designed to spark conversations!
+