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Concept Poster

Transform complex thoughts into engaging stories

A concept poster is a one-page visual that communicates a design idea, combining images, headlines, user benefits, and potential impact.

It helps pitch, test, and refine ideas early on by making them clear and compelling. They turn fuzzy ideas into persuasive stories.

Concept posters prompt teams to ask:

  • What problem are we solving?
  • Who benefits and how?
  • What does success look like?

Best Practices

Keep it visual! Incorporate diagrams and icons to enhance understanding.

Start with a clear headline. This captures attention and highlights the value of the idea.

Include user context. Highlight benefits to emphasize importance and relevance.

Use simple, jargon-free language. This ensures clarity for your team and customers.


Basic Steps

1. Define your concept and user. Clarify what you’re proposing and who it’s for.

2. Choose a layout (grid, journey, etc.). Pick a format that best supports your message.

3. Sketch visuals and key text. Draw scenes or diagrams and write short supporting points.

4. Highlight value and outcomes. Make the benefits and impacts clear at a glance.

5. Share for feedback and refine. Test if others understand and connect with your concept.


Benefits

  • Communicates ideas quickly and clearly, ensuring everyone is on the same page
  • Helps stakeholders visualize potential outcomes, making concepts more tangible
  • Fosters team alignment and shared understanding by promoting cohesion through open communication and clear objectives
  • Can be used to test interest and understanding, validating assumptions before proceeding

Our Recommended Resources

Concept posters serve as a visual bridge between abstract ideas and tangible narratives. They transform complex thoughts into engaging stories, helping to clarify the vision and intent behind a project. By using imagery, keywords, and concise messaging, these posters turn thinking into storytelling. They are tools for alignment, feedback, and early validation, ensuring ideas connect emotionally and logically before deeper investment.

Additional Resources

IDEO Design Kit

Create a Concept

Online Guide

Get the guide