What is Digital Signage?
Digital signage is a remote controlled distribution and playback system of electronic message content across networks of television monitor displays. It is used for delivering visual messages to the campus community, including students, faculty and staff. Digital signage is an accessible, high profile resource for announcements, news, student activities, campus community-generated content and events, as well as critical updates such as emergency information and weather advisories.
All signs are pre-programmed to receive PSUAlert emergency information as per University policy. As such, individual monitors must not be turned off during normal operation hours.
Digital Signage is in the following locations:
Dawson Building - Main Floor
Study Learning Center - 2 locations, Main Floor and Lower Floor
Multipurpose Building
Gallagher Conference Center
Library
Guidelines for Digital Signage
Communicating a wide range of messages across the digital signage network requires guidelines to ensure the most efficient way to communicate with our campus and help Penn State Scranton best use its resources, including personnel and technology.
Content should support the values of scholarship and service reflected by Penn State University as a whole, and is appropriate to the specific program, service, event or product that is being advertised.
The following considerations for message communications are suggested:
- Target audience
- Screen location
- Relevance of the information
- Readability and design
Messages must be appropriate for viewing in public areas and comply with the following criteria
- Compliance with the University's strategic messaging and goals
- Compliance with all copyright and trademark laws and regulations
- Be of broad interest to the Scranton campus community
- No commercial or other for-profit messages
- Messages cannot be of a political nature or be an endorsement for any political candidate or person seeking an official position, whether it be on or off campus as per PSU Policy HR35, Section 9.
Content will be categorized as follows:
- Emergency Notifications
- Student Activity Events
- Announcements and Campus News
- Campus Updates
Design Considerations
Messages running on Penn State Scranton digital signage are in the form of looping JPEG images. All messages to be displayed on Penn State Scranton campus digital signage should conform to the following design considerations.
Size: 10.5 inches wide by 6.5 inches high
Announcements should be short. There is limited space on the digital sign for information; only the most important details should be included.
Event Name
Event Description (brief, if necessary)
Event Location
Event Date(s)
Event Time(s)
Images
Additional high resolution graphics or professional quality photographs illustrating or emphasizing the event are allowable but should not detract from the message. Material subject to copyright should not be used.
Text
Three to six lines of text, keeping in mind the minimum font size. Do not use all caps.
Font: Sans-serif (Examples - Arial, Gill Sans, Calibri). Sans serif means a typeface that does not have the small projecting features called "serifs" at the end of strokes. The fonts used on this web page are sans-serif.
Font size: Minimum 32 point
Contrast: High contrast between the slide background and text makes viewing messages easier. Light colored text on a dark background or dark text on a light background works best.
Color: Avoid using really bright or neon colors. Avoid red and green or red and black color combinations to accommodate those with red-green colorblindness. If red and green are used on the same slide, be sure they are different shades (ex: dark red and light green).
Message Submission Guidelines:
- Create your message content for the event you wish to publicize.
- Content for messages can be electronically submitted for posting to Digital Signage. Campus wide messages will be reviewed and posted by the Web Designer.
- All messages for inclusion on Digital Signage must be submitted at least 7 days prior to the event.
- Those submitting messages containing deadlines, timelines, RSVP by dates, etc., should submit their message at least 7 days prior to that date.
- All messages are subject to prior approval before placement on a digital sign. Include any high resolution graphics and/or photographs with your message submission.
- Receive confirmation of message suitability for publishing on Digital Signage.