Scientific design
A practical design checklist for academic conferences
Organize materials by use, specifications and review milestones.
Map the contexts of use
Separate pre-event communication, on-site materials and post-event records. Posters, agendas, slide templates, screens and signage serve different audiences and viewing distances; simply resizing one file is rarely sufficient.
Specify every deliverable
Record purpose, dimensions, orientation, format, language, quantity and deadline. Confirm print and screen requirements separately. Check screen ratios and print bleed with the actual production partner.
Assign content approval
A responsible person should confirm names, dates, locations, speaker details, logos and QR destinations. Set separate copy and design approval milestones to reduce structural rework.
Agree editable formats and reuse
Tell the design team which software and editable materials will be needed. Review permissions for fonts, images and institutional marks.
Test the final use
Inspect small text, distance-readable text and QR codes at the intended size. Verify links, export versions and filenames. Review the final printed or displayed version as well as the design file.