How to create an effective scientific exhibit: analysis of award-winning exhibits from the 1998 RSNA meeting.
Although the most important component of an effective scientific exhibit is content, the way in which an exhibit is constructed can greatly influence its overall effectiveness. Choice of format should be determined by carefully analyzing the purpose of one's exhibit, expected audience, and data at hand, as well as type of meeting and funding. Depending on the type of data to be presented and available equipment and budget, the most appropriate style for a scientific exhibit may be a traditional mat board, computer-generated tiles or large-print backboard panel, traditional mat board with viewbox exhibit, matted transparency tiles with viewbox exhibit, or computer-generated large-film display. The authors analyzed 993 of 1, 041 (95.4%) scientific exhibits on display at the 84th RSNA Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting and categorized each exhibit according to the following characteristics: display type and size, color scheme, display font size, and graphic styles. These characteristics were then correlated with scientific exhibit and design awards as well as invitations for submission to RadioGraphics. Chance of winning an award or being asked to publish the presentation in RadioGraphics was significantly increased for viewbox exhibits (compared with backboard panel exhibits) and for larger exhibits (compared with smaller exhibits).
Choi
J R
JR
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
Kruskal
J B
JB
Rosen
M P
MP
Davis
R B
RB
D001296:Audiovisual Aids; D001363:Awards and Prizes; D002017:Budgets; D003199:Computer Systems; D003226:Congresses as Topic; D003626:Data Display; D004867:Equipment Design; D005085:Exhibitions as Topic; D006801:Humans; D010506:Periodicals as Topic; D011643:Publishing; D011871:Radiology / Q000193:education*; D012586:Science