Digital Signage Content Creation Guidelines
Overview
Create content that will effectively communicate your message on the digital signage. What might work as a poster might not work for a message that appears briefly on a sign.
Keep the word count on a single message slide to under 20 words. If you can’t say what you need to say in that amount of words, consider creating a series of slides (a Powerpoint slideshow) and submitting your message as multiple slides saved as a presentation.
Use basic design principles when creating your message:
- Use as few words as possible.
- Light lettering against a dark background reads better than dark lettering against a light background.
- Sans serif fonts read better than serif fonts.
Tell the viewer:
- What you want them to know
- When they can attend/act on information
- Where the event is (if applicable)
- Who or what is the contact person or sponsoring office
For example:
Flu Shots Available
Tuesday, November 1 through Thursday November 3
10 AM to 5 PM
Lakeside Cantina
Sponsored by the People Center
Design Specifics
Applications: You can create content in a variety of desktop applications, (Photoshop, inDesign, etc.) or for simple text and image messages, use PowerPoint. Static content not created in a PowerPoint template should be submitted as JPEG file.
Typeface: Arial Black
Type sizes for creating content in PowerPoint:
- Headlines: 40 points
- Body Copy: 32 points
- URL/Call to Action: 28 points
Size and Resolution: All content that is running on digital signage system should be created at 875 pixels wide by 750 pixels high and a resolution of 300ppi (pixels per square inch). If using PowerPoint, be sure your slide design will fit.
Orientation
The content windows in the signage system are almost square. They measure 875 pixels wide by 750 pixels high. If you have created a message that is formatted for an 11x17 poster or an 8.5x11 poster, please re-create that content to fit the 875x750 size.
Using Images in Content/Messages
For maximum clarity, ensure that images are at least 72dpi when viewed at 100 percent. Using low-resolution images will resort in pixilation, distortion and a low-quality effect when viewed on digital signage. Images used for designs that do not meet the minimum quality standard will not be accepted.
Playlists
A playlist is a collection of content that is scheduled in the Digital Signage System. All messages submitted by campus users will be played on the “General Ads Playlist” which plays on main campus signage and at Lakeside. Content for specific audiences such as Employees or Campus Visitors runs on separate playlists managed by Marketing.
Message/Content Naming Convention
Messages submitted to the digital signage system should be named by the following convention: EXPIRATION DATE.DEPARTMENT.MESSAGE NAME
For example:
EXP1211.SustainChamplain.Recycle Kitten
Ready to Submit?
You can submit a message by using our webform or by emailing your message to digitalsignage@champlain.edu