This course consists of three course days. The participants are expected to attend all three course days.
Target group
Academic staff at OsloMet – including lecturers, researchers, and PhD candidates – are the target group for this course. Staff from all faculties are warmly encouraged to register. Everyone is welcome!
Learning objectives
- Knowledge: The participant has basic knowledge of graphic design for research communication, including layout, use of color, typography, and the use of images and infographics.
- Skills: The participant can create academic posters using appropriate design tools, adapt them to different display formats, and improve the design based on feedback.
- Competence: The participant can disseminate research visually and engagingly, assess the quality of visual communication, and use design as a tool in various dissemination contexts.
Course content
Are you a researcher, lecturer, or PhD candidate looking to participate in conferences or communicate your research in various settings – but have little or no experience with graphic design or digital media? This course is designed for researchers, teachers and PhD candidates at OsloMet who want to learn how to create professional, engaging, and visually appealing posters for research dissemination. Whether you're presenting at an academic conference, sharing results with the public, or using digital platforms such as departmental websites, newsletters, or screen displays, this course will provide you with practical tools and concrete tips on how to communicate your message visually and effectively.
During the course, you will receive
- An introduction to basic principles of graphic design tailored to research communication
- Tips on layout, color use, and typography that work well in academic posters
- An introduction to both free design tools and professional software such as the Adobe suite (e.g., Illustrator and InDesign)
- Guidance on how to use infographics and images to strengthen your visual message
- Ideas on how to adapt your poster for both print and digital display formats
- The opportunity to receive feedback on your own poster throughout the course
No prior experience with design is required – just a desire to present your research in a clear and visually engaging way. Participants with some previous experience are also welcome, especially if they wish to explore new approaches or deepen their skills.
Course participants will also take part in a poster exhibition organized by Exhibition Arena OsloMet, taking place at OsloMet in January–February 2026.
Themes for the different course sessions
- Digital pre-session: We begin with an online session to prepare participants for the on-campus course days.
- On-campus course days: We meet at OsloMet to work hands-on with poster design.
Teaching methods
Digital pre-session: We begin the work and prepare participants for the on-campus course days.
On-campus course days: We work actively on creating posters in person on campus.
Exhibition: The posters will be printed and displayed in a poster exhibition in January–February 2026.
Dates and time
To be able to produce a complete poster, participants are expected to attend all course days.
- Session 1, Digital: Monday, 20 October, 2025, 14:00–15:30
- Session 2, In-person: Monday, 27 October, 2025, 09:00–16:00
- Session 3, In-person: Friday, 14 November, 2025, 09:00–16:00
- Poster exhibition with the posters is planned for January–February 2026.
The in-person course days are organized so that you receive teaching and practical exercises with the course instructor from 09:00–11:30, and guidance with a teaching assistant from 12:30–16:00.
Instructor
Lena Vida, Assistant Professor for the Department of Art, Design and Drama at OsloMet, working with dissemination for Exhibition Arena OsloMet.
Exhibition Arena OsloMet focuses on dissemination, communication, and promotion of OsloMet’s academic activities at Campus Pilestredet and Campus Kjeller, including exhibitions, performances, book launches, and research dissemination projects.
Location
FG5 FG130
Registration deadline
9 October 2025, 12.00