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 careful ly analyzing the purpose of one's exhibit, expected audience, and data at h and, 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 st yle for a scientific exhibit may be a traditional mat board, computer-gener ated tiles or large-print backboard pane, traditional mat board with viewbo x exhibit, matted transparency tiles with viewbox exhibit, or computer-gene rated large-film display. The authors analyzed 993 of 1,041 (95.4%) scienti fic exhibits on display at the 84th RSNA Scientific Assembly and Annual Mee ting and categorized each exhibit according to the following characteristic s: display type and size, color scheme, display font size, and graphic styl es. These characteristics were then correlated with scientific exhibit and design awards as well as invitations for submission to RadioGraphics. Chanc e of winning an award or being asked to publish the presentation in RadioGr aphics was significantly increased for viewbox exhibits (compared with back board panel exhibits) and for larger exhibits (compared with smaller exhibi ts).