work at home jobs internetThe process of creating templates and themes for digital signage is fun and exciting: so many design elements to play around with, so many arrangements. It is just the thing to get your creative juices flowing. However, do not be carried away with all the possibilities; remember that your main aim to impart certain information.

The rule of thumb in design is that function always comes before form. One may be slightly more important that the other, but you can never leave one behind. Below we offer some tips to get you started on your journey to creative genius:

  • Contrast for visibility

If the viewer is not able to separate the various elements of your design, it is easy for your message to fall between the cracks, and we cannot have that. Contrast is the best element you can use to ensure legibility of your content. Make sure there is good contrast between background elements and what on the foreground, most importantly the text.

  • The 3×5 rule

Words should communicate the message clearly and concisely. Avoid using too much text as it can make your design look too busy and cluttered. Try to make the type size large enough to be readable from a distance, and give the most important information first. The rule of thumb is to have only fifteen words of text: three lines with five words each or five lines with three words each.

  • Text styles

Simplicity is important when choosing a typeface for the best corporate digital signage. Only go complex when you are duplicating an existing logotype or brand; more than two fonts in one design is a complete faux pas. Use italics sparingly, since it reduces legibility from a distance. Large text in bold typeface will improve readability, even from a distance.

‘Serif’ fonts are those that have small strokes on each character, like Time New Roman. They are better on long text passages as they help the eyes to transition from one word to the next. Fonts without serifs or ‘sans serif’ like Arial are better and easier read on short messages.

  • Color vs. perception

Use color to create good contrast. By employing color properly, you can place your foreground elements in such a way that the viewer will always perceive them to be in front of your background designs.

The digital world involves a play of three colors: red, green and blue (you are familiar with the acronym RGB). These three create all other colors. White combines all three, while black is the absence of any color. For better designs:

  • Add contrast – use light on dark and vice versa
  • Know what your viewer’s eye will be attracted to
  • Control the impact of the information you share using the above
  • Focus techniques

Guide your viewer’s eye to the most important information first by employing focus techniques to create a ‘visual hierarchy’ in your design. Using high contrast, graphics, bright colors and headliner text draws the eye. Size is also a pointer towards priority with design elements. The same applies to arrangement of elements, angles and use of open or empty space.

Now, go forth and create amazing digital signage templates!

About the Contributor:   John Lidel is renowned in the digital signage industry. For more information or if you have queries on designing the best corporate digital signage for your brand, click the link.