Aesthetics: The Board
From Stepping Up
Aesthetics: The Board
| What Judges Want |
| Stepping Up Guide |
An excellent display board is critical to making sure judges have a good impression of your project. This is also detailed in the section Lookin' Good (and Sounding Even Better). Here, we have broken down tips in regards to backboards into two sections: display, and judging.
Things To Consider: Display
- Stay away from too many words. It's a perfect recipe for a headache. Your board should give a concise summary of your work. It's a challenge, and often takes much revision. Real scientists face this issue as well when creating poster presentations.
- Keep in mind the atmosphere during the fair. There are hundreds of projects, incredible noise and distractions everywhere. The minds of the judges are filled to capacity, replete with the sheer magnitude of information that they are taking in. Therefore, having an aesthetically pleasing board is a big advantage! Some people try to convince themselves that its only the science that counts. It is true that this is very important, however a good board only complements the work that you have already done.
- Try to use different colors and display formats on your board. These will help brighten up your display and bring interest to your project. This also helps when people are casually walking by a project. They will notice the display with all the pretty colors and designs, versus a plain, and undecorated board.
For more tips about board aesthetics, be sure to visit the Lookin' Good (and Sounding Even Better) section.
Things To Consider: Judging
- Having an outstanding board might mean that you get asked fewer questions because some of the judges read through it before the judging period.
- Keep in mind that the board is a supplement to the main part of the presentation: YOU!
- Use any pictures, charts, or diagrams that you have on your board to help explain difficult or complex concepts to the judges.
- When presenting your board, ensure not to just read off what you have written. Look the judges in the eyes and present the project to them. DO NOT READ YOUR ENTIRE PRESENTATION OFF OF YOUR BACKBOARD! It's perfectly alright to refer to your backboard if you stumble or miss a point, however, do not dictate to the judges exactly what you have written on your display. It's important not to dictate, because if you do, you will lose the human contact aspect of judging (which is not a good thing).
This article was written by:
