| Bright Ideas Helpful Hints |
|
The purpose of your display board is to showcase your project. Your display board should look professional, something that a business person might use. It should attract the attention of a viewer and make them want to come over and read about your project. The content, or the information on the board, is the most important thing. Many boards look good but don’t have very much information. The title is very important in a display board. It should be eye-catching and easy to read. Be sure that the letters are large enough to read across a room. Use dark colors for the title. It is good to use color in your display. Stick to one or two colors that contrast, such as black and white, or red and green.
Most display boards have three sections.
Before you begin, make sure you carefully plan your board, including making sketches.
A prototype or model of your invention, or a sample of your product,
are great additions to your display. 
Display Board Materials
A display board consisting of three panels is stable and can be folded up for transportation. Use a sturdy, light-weight material. You want the display to stand up on its own, but it also needs to be light for carrying. If you choose to make your own boards insulation panels can be purchased at local hardware stores. When covered, these panels can be joined to make a display board. Foam core is an all-white material that can be slit halfway through its thickness and works great to form side panels and is also available at local hobby, hardware or craft stores. These can be fast and easy methods for creating attractive display boards. Wood construction tends to be heavy and cumbersome to transport, but if wood lends itself to your project, use it.
Preparing Your Display Board
Using poster paper or fabric to cover your board will add color and interest to your display. Choose fabric in a solid color or a pattern that will not interfere with the display of your information. Make your display stand out. Use appropriate colors and make sure that the display looks clean, neat and orderly. REMEMBER: Your display makes the first impression. For fabric, check for remnants in fabric stores as they often have just enough fabric to do the job at an inexpensive price. Preparing Your Information Title (Name of your invention, product or idea) Think of an interesting or catchy name for your invention, product or idea. Your title should be placed near the top of the center panel to catch attention. Titles usually look best done in clear bold type, large enough to be read from a distance.
Purpose
This can be a single sentence explaining what your invention is designed to do or what problem it is meant to solve.
Problem
This explains what the problem is that you are trying to solve. Where or when did you get the idea for your project? Who had the problem or gave you the idea for your invention?
Procedure
This part explains the steps you went through in order to complete your project. You may want to take photographs through the different phases of your project development. Photographs not only enhance the look of the display but they help to communicate the important aspects of a project. Also display your Inventor or Volunteer Log as part of your procedure so that visitors will understand what was done.
Results
Results can be obtained from test trials to see if your creation serves the purpose or solves the problem. Results could come from a survey you conducted about the usefulness of your creation. Taste tests or comparing and contrasting your invention with similar ones can give you data to use for your results. Results may be shown as graphs, tables, charts, diagrams, pictures or written statements.
Conclusion
Your conclusion should relate back to your problem and purpose. Did your invention solve the problem or serve the purpose that you created it for? Even if your answer is no, it is your conclusion and may cause you to think of different things to try in order to solve the problem. Also in your conclusion you can write about new problems you have discovered about your invention that you might want to try to solve in the future.
Presenting Your Information
Make sure your display is logically presented and easy to read. At a glance, everyone should be able to read your title and locate your purpose, problem, procedure, results and conclusion. Write or type your information in your neatest form. Check to be sure your words are spelled correctly. Before attaching any information, lay it all out on your board to make sure your have room for it. Make sure there is some space around each item so it is easy to read. Use a ruler to space things evenly and to make sure items are straight, especially words. When you are satisfied that it looks its best and can be easily read from a short distance, then attach each item securely in the appropriate places.  Other Items to Display 1. An advertisement or commercial you created for your product or invention. 2. Early prototypes of your invention that you improved or redesigned.
Share Your Ideas and Experiences with Others
1. Introduce yourself and your project to visitors interested in your display 2. Explain your project. a. What steps did you go through to create or develop your project? b. What problems did you have and how did your solve these problems? c. Where did you turn for help and who helped you? d. What new problems or hurdles do you see in the future? e. What or who inspired you and/or your project? 3. Be prepared to answer questions your visitors may have.
Exhibit Tips
1. Dress like the business professional you are today. 2. Be courteous to all visitors as you may be meeting a future business partner. 3. Stay with your project during showcase time.
Tell Your Story! Present Your Idea! Have Fun!
|