Sexier Posters and Poster Sessions Using Zoomify and QR Codes

This isn't a typical post for this blog but working with geologists gives me opportunities to geek out on even classic information delivery mediums.  This means trying to make posters even sexy.  Thats right, posters (they still do those at earth science events and conferences).  I give the crew of geoscientists I work with alot of credit.  At least they are creating posters digitally and not using scissors and glue like a 3rd grade science project as it once was done once upon a time.

Anyway, I have ran across a couple of interesting techniques to help make posters at least a little more usable.  The first isn't earth shattering.  For our agency, delivering information and products to the public is a major requirement and delivering posters that scientists have presented at various conference poster sessions is part of this.  Typically, we provide a thumbnail and a link to the entire poster in PDF format for users to download and print on their own.  However, a typical use case is for users to just "have a look" at the poster or preview it directly online.  Doing this with full resolution PDFs or low resolution images is problematic but with the use of a product called Zoomify, we are able to provide users with the ability to zoom-in, pan and share the posters we post online interactively.  Here are some examples of how we have used Zoomify for our online posters presentations.

There is a free version of the product that does about 80 percent of what you might need along with upgrades for purchase that allow you full control to the component via its ActionScript API (it does need Flash to run).

The second technique to share is a little more modern I guess.  Still not earth shattering but a little more techie.  I'm sure you have seen these around:

 

If not, this is an example of a QR code.  Basically, it is a matrix barcode that can be read by barcode readers and smart phones.  They can be used to encode information like telephone numbers or URI's.  In our case, they make an interesting addition to a standard, hardcopy poster.  Imagine encoding a link to a manuscript, online map, or even a database that relates to information summarized on a poster.  Perhaps even encoding contact information such as your telephone number that can be digitally captured by viewers of your poster and added directly to their contact list on their phone, all done using QR codes.  Here is an example of a QR code embedded next to a figure from a post that links to a data download website related to the figure.