Guidelines on Creating Digital Signage
First determine what your message will be. Know the things that you would want to inform to the potential consumer or viewer. This is the first step in the creation of digital signage, to know the message you want to deliver and to know who the target consumers are.
Determine the type of display units where the message or ad will be advertised. It is important to adapt your ad to the appropriate size or aspect ratio it is to be displayed on. Whether it would be on a screen with a 4:3 aspect ratio or a more modern 16:9 like those seen in a widescreen, high definition movie. You can also decide to layout your ad in a number of ways if you want to display them in varying sizes of displays.
Choose the best type of font the text is to be displayed in. Keep in mind that the bigger and simpler of fonts are more likely to be read in full by the potential consumer. It would also be a good choice to choose a font color that would contrast well with your planned ad background. Fancy type of font should only be used where it is appropriate and always make sure they are clear and readable.
Time. The duration a part of the ad is displayed is very important if your ad is animated. Messages should be given enough time to be read before scrolling to another part of the ad. Animated ads or signage are practical not only to give amusement but also to fully display an ad that has a big or wide area.
Graphics. Make sure the accompanying images clearly convey the message to the consumer. If the ad or signage is composed of images and texts, make sure the images give way for the text to be read. Conspicuous images are highly recommended to attract attention but not too much as to divert the readers away from the message. Informative images like pie charts are also a good choice to convey information.
Consider hiring a visual artist if you think you are not that capable of producing an attractive design.
Keep on trying different backgrounds until you find on that is appropriate for you signage. It is also good to adapt the background to the occasion whether it is a special event or holiday.
Digital Signage in 3D
In the world of Digital Signage, competing industries all strive to be on top of their game and technological improvements and innovations are all the craze. And now that 3D movies are sprouting everywhere, the digital signage industry feels compelled to join the bandwagon. This 3D digital signage concept has recently been the topic of conversations among digital signage manufacturers. With the announcement of the company Samsung to mass produce panels for 3d LED TV’s the ability to produce three-dimensional digital led signage has become a reality. Soon equipment to produce them will be available to large and small companies. Because all the major technology companies like Samsung and Sony are developing 3D displays, it will soon be as common as flat screen TV’s are today.
But with the arrival of 3D digital signage, will the viewer be required to wear those unsightly 3D glasses? Until recently one had to wear them to enjoy 3D films and animations. The answer is fortunately “No” you do not need them anymore due to one technology that provides 3D imagery called “autostereoscopy”.
One can just imagine the visual appeal this would bring if digital signage manufacturers should implement it. Adding 3D would increase the interaction of the viewers. Like in a convenience store, the products that are shown would appear as if it was right in front of you. From this example, it becomes clear how the addition of “3D” can affect the viewer’s experience with a new product or service.
But don’t get too excited yet, manufacturers should first address the following concerns.
How long should the viewer have to watch the screen view the whole content? Many people get uncomfortable watching TV for too long.
Transition from your regular 2D to 3D is no small cost. Aside from being more attractive, how else will the 3D display be more beneficial?
Will the 3D signage be used in a place where safety may be a concern? This may not be a concern in too many situations for marketing and advertising, but people get spooked since 3D tends to appear very life like, would that be an issue?
