Before you determine how to set up any digital display, you must decide on your objectives. The design comes after – it’s only viable if it works within the physical constraints of the display.
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- How many displays?
- What type of displays?
- What setup would suit the interior design?
These 3 questions will help you narrow down the final display setup and the direction in which to develop your digital signage.
There might be many options, but is there a solution that is known as “the best”? Unfortunately, no, each case is different. So, here are 3 factors to consider when setting up a digital display:
1. Viewing Distance
Viewing distance is simple: the distance between the display and your customers. You not only need to find the space to mount your displays, but also think about how the positioning of the display will affect the audience.
If there is not enough space to mount standard screens, opt in for the smaller displays. However, choosing the bigger displays can be overwhelming in a small space for anyone reading them. The key aspect to remember is that the customers should focus on the content and not the display itself.
Just like the viewing distance affects display size, it also determines the size of the content on the displays. Here are 2 ideas to remember:
- The larger the distance, the bigger the font.
- When increasing the font size, you should use bold typography and colors.
- Bonus Tip: Contrasting colors are ideal.
- Keep track of the small details.
- Since customers are already focused on a small display, using thin fonts will not catch their attention.
2. Number of Displays
Display size and model are both important, but the most prevalent factor in determining your digital signage setup is the number of displays. For example, one display may not be sufficient to fit all your content. So, to successfully show the content, you should consider the ideal number of displays.
Case 1:
If you want to focus more on the images and have a lot of items, it is best to have more displays to show all the visual and text content.
Case 2:
If you do not have a lot of visuals, use 1 – 2 screens. However, when creating content for 1 display, you need to consider designing content that is well-spaced.
Another important, yet often overlooked, factor in determining the number of displays is digital signage software. Some digital signage companies charge per display, while others charge per location.
NexSigns, for instance, is a “per location model” that encourages wider use of screens.
3. Display Size
Display size largely influences your digital signage setup and design. An important note is that digital visuals have fewer Dots Per Inch (DPI) than their print counterparts. Print is typically 300 DPI, whereas digital displays range between 72 to 220 DPI. So, on a digital screen it is harder to read thin design elements.
Bonus Tip: having larger displays means having a higher DPI.
To select the right display size, consider the number of displays and their distance from the customers.
Example:
10 feet of width can allow for 2 55-inch displays or 3 32-inch displays. While the physical space remains the same, the entire design will change based on increasing the number of displays from 2 to 3.
The smaller the distance, the smaller the displays. For such displays, it is beneficial to use more images than text. This will enhance the customer experience and make it easier for them to read your content.
Concluding Thoughts
Setting up digital displays effectively requires a clear understanding of your objectives and the physical constraints of the display environment.
Careful consideration of factors such as display size, number, and viewing distance will ensure your digital signage not only fits physically but also resonates with and engages your customers.
By focusing on these key aspects, you can create an impactful and efficient digital display setup tailored to your specific needs.
You can learn more about NexSigns’ Digital Signage solution and connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube to get the latest info on digital signage!
