Using Trading Cards to Transfer Innovative Methods to Local Stakeholders
2013
Purpose
A trading card is a communication tool used to focus on a new or existing technology/product.
The card has to be eye catching and informative to spark a transportation stakeholder’s
interest. The goal is this introductory information will lead to further investigation by the
stakeholder into the innovation showcased. The trading cards are easy to create using a
template document in Microsoft Publisher. Use one of the example cards provided and alter it
for the technology you are showcasing. Go to File:Save As to save the trading card you are
designing.
Paper
Use Avery Template 5392 (name badges) 4” x 3”
Front of Card
This should spark the audience’s interest. Include a title at the top line and a brief blurb and/or
a large picture of the technology. Color scheme can be varied. Use font size 8-12 depending on
how much text is included.
Back of Card
The goal of the cards is to draw interest and then encourage the audience to follow-up on the
web. Include the technology, its objective (what does it do?), assistance/further contact person
or entity and a web link to explore.
QR Code
A quick response (QR) code is a great addition so the audience can take their smart
phone to scan the code to pull up the web page right away. Use this website
http://beqrious.com/qr-code-generator/ to produce a QR code for free. The site allows
you to download the code as a picture file. After saving the QR code you create, insert it
using Publisher by going to insert: picture.
Development
The templates provided have all been set to the correct dimensions. Use the information below
to troubleshoot any alignment issues when you print trading cards.
In Publisher:
 Click on tab “Page Design”
 Click “Size, Click “Create New Page Size” and the window below will pop up (Page
Setup).
 Under Page put in 4” width, 3” height. Margins guides should all be 0.5 Side margin
should be 0.25”, top margin 1”, horizontal gap 0”, vertical gap 0”
Using Trading Cards to Transfer Innovative Methods to Local Stakeholders
2013
Hit “Ok”
Printing
When you are ready to print, load the paper. Ideally use a printer that can print double-sided.
Then in Publisher select File:Print. Select multiple copies per sheet and make sure the quantity
is 6. You will see the sheet appear in the print preview. The template has been adjusted for the
paper to align the cards the best way possible. Click “layout options” under the print menu and
make sure these settings are in place.
 Make sure the print orientation is set to portrait
 Enable printing on both sides to take place
 You should see in the preview panel exactly how the printing will look, at the bottom
you can also view the back of the card by clicking on the “back” button
Print, tear apart and you are ready to share trading cards with your local agencies.
Using Trading Cards to Transfer Innovative Methods to Local Stakeholders
2013
Below is a screen shot of an example trading card:
Front
Title
Short Blurb
Picture
Back
Title
Explanation of the technology
Next steps to take
Quick response (QR) code