3 Minute Thesis Single Slide Design

Summary

This video offers key advice on designing a single slide for the 3-Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition. It emphasizes the importance of simplicity, clarity, and focus on a single idea. The slide should visually support the presentation, using charts or visuals rather than excessive text. The design should avoid templates, favoring clean backgrounds and a thoughtful layout that guides the audience's attention. The video also highlights DesignLab's support services for personalized design assistance. Following these guidelines will ensure your slide is effective, engaging, and helps convey the core message of your thesis.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 3-Minute Thesis Competition (3MT) includes judging based on how well your single slide enhances your presentation's engagement and communication.
• 😀 You are allowed only one static slide with no animations, videos, or moving parts.
• 😀 Consider what you NEED or WANT on the slide before deciding on its content.
• 😀 Reflect on the core questions of your thesis: Why did you do it? How did you do it? Why is it important?
• 😀 Focus your slide on one key idea, chart, graph, or example. Avoid overwhelming the slide with too much content.
• 😀 Emphasize the most important aspects of your research, whether that's your methods, results, or key findings.
• 😀 Ensure your slide aligns with the goal of your thesis—avoid including tangential or irrelevant details.
• 😀 Visuals are crucial—avoid text-heavy slides that distract from your spoken content.
• 😀 You don’t need to include your name, thesis title, or contact info on the slide, as these will be handled by the organizers.
• 😀 Keep the design simple and avoid overly flashy elements like bright colors or random accents.
• 😀 Use visual hierarchy to guide your audience’s attention, ensuring key elements are prioritized in terms of size and placement.

Q & A

Why is the design of the single slide important in the 3MT competition?

The design of the single slide is crucial because it contributes to the judging criteria under 'engagement and communication'. The slide should enhance the presentation, making it clear, legible, and concise, thus improving the overall effectiveness of the presentation.

What are the key considerations when deciding what to include on the slide?

The main considerations are: What do you NEED or WANT behind you when you present? If you're unsure, think about why you did your thesis, how you conducted your research, or why your findings are important to the world. These answers will guide the content of your slide.

What does 'Less is more' mean in the context of slide design?

'Less is more' means you should avoid overloading your slide with too much content. Focus on a single key idea or a couple of visuals to keep the slide clear, concise, and not overwhelming for the audience.

What types of content should you prioritize on your slide?

You should prioritize content that directly relates to the goal of your thesis. This could be a visual representation of the problem, methods, findings, or how others can use your research. Make sure to focus on what is most important and relevant.

Is it necessary to include your name or contact information on the slide?

No, it's not necessary to include your name, thesis title, or contact information on the slide. The event organizers will provide an introductory slide that includes these details at the beginning of the video.

Why is it advised to avoid using PowerPoint templates?

PowerPoint templates are often recognizable and can make your presentation feel generic. They also may cause alignment issues. Customizing your design ensures a more professional and polished look for your slide.

What role does visual hierarchy play in slide design?

Visual hierarchy guides the audience’s attention through the slide in a logical manner. By organizing content from left to right and top to bottom and using larger text or visuals for important elements, you help the audience follow along with ease.

What is the best way to use text on the slide?

Limit the amount of text on the slide to avoid distracting the audience. Use brief phrases or keywords that complement your spoken presentation. The focus should be on visuals rather than lengthy descriptions.

What kind of background is recommended for the slide?

It’s best to keep the background simple, using neutral colors like white or black. Avoid bright or overly complicated colors and accents that could distract from the content. Negative space is also encouraged to maintain clarity and simplicity.

How can DesignLab help students with their 3MT slide design?

DesignLab offers free one-on-one or small group appointments where students can receive personalized recommendations and feedback on their slide design. They can help at any stage of the process, from brainstorming ideas to finalizing the presentation.