Some practical advice
QR Codes
Despite their apparent advantages, QR codes aren’t very practical on posters. This is due to the duration of the display and the distance between the screen and the target audience. A person who sees a poster whose content interests him or her will have little time to be able to properly scan the code.
We recommend 👇
Short URLs
You can create a short URL that’s easy to read and remember, such as go.epfl.ch/openscience.
Text
- Keep text to a minimum
- Use standard fonts (Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, etc.)
- Use large font sizes
- Ensure good contrast with the background to make text clearly legible even from a distance
Images
- Use good quality images (resolution) as they will be displayed on large screens.
- In contrary to text, use images with relatively smooth tones and contrasts.
- Make room for spaces. Empty spaces can make your poster more legible.
Frequently Asked Questions
A poster remains visible for 20 seconds. At certain times of the year (end of spring semester, end of the year) when the demand for posters is very high, we may reduce the duration to 15 seconds.
In most instances no, we do not accept requests in excess of 21 days or we reduce the posting period.
Exceptions are made for matters concerning campus security or other institutional information.
We don’t recommend any special tools. What’s important is that the images are the right size (1920 x 1080) and in JPEG format.
Among the software programs licensed by EPFL, you can use PowerPoint, Illustrator and Photoshop.
If you need to crop or add text to an image, you can use MS Paint (Windows) or Preview (Mac OS), which are automatically installed on your machine.
We don’t currently provide specific templates for posters. However, Mediacom does provide presentation templates that you can use or that may serve as inspiration. Authentication is required to access these templates.
Yes, absolutely. We are happy to help you create your image.
Please bear in mind, however, that this is a “best effort” service that should not be treated as a matter of urgency. Contact us well in advance to ensure that we can actually help you.
Although technically possible, we currently only accept images in JPEG format.
It is technically possible to publish a poster on specific screens within the Polynex stream. However, it is essential to note that this is a ‘as per request’ configuration, as the established process in the standard request is to broadcast to all screens within the Polynex group.
You can specify the screens where you want to broadcast on the Polynex stream (based on the map below) directly in the “Remarks” fields in the portal request.
For an analysis of specific requirements, you can contact us at [email protected], providing detailed information about your request.
Please note that the acquisition of the screen is the responsibility of the department/faculty. The provision of the Spinetix box is the responsibility of the IT department.
Furthermore, you will need to ensure that at the location where you intend to install the screen and the box, there is an available Ethernet network socket and a power outlet.
If you would like to make an inquiry, please contact [email protected] and the relevant department will get back to you.
The Polynex service manager is Frédéric Limat. He will respond to your requests and analyze your needs according to the possibilities offered by the technologies currently in use.