Digital Displays

Showcase news or messaging

Digital displays can help you to share your message with a range of users, with clear and eye-catching designs. Showcasing your news or messaging on a digital display can be a very effective way to get attention.

Research indicates that digital displays capture 400% more views than static displays. This makes them an excellent channel for promoting events and sharing important news and guidance.

Making your message clear

If you want to create a strong message that your audience can act on, consider including:

• a strong, short title
• a brief description which makes the message clear
• a location (if you are advertising an event)
• a date and time
• a place to get more information (this can be a webpage, a phone number, or an invitation to visit a location or person)

Getting their attention

People often spot digital displays when they are on the move.

Your audience may only have a few seconds to spot your content and act on it. Consider this, particularly if your digital display cycles through multiple messages.

Make sure that:

• your copy is eye-catching, with a clear meaning
• you have a strong call-to-action
• any webpage links are kept short and logical

Visual identity

Make sure your design is uncluttered and clear. Your text should also be large enough to read from a reasonable distance.

Messages on digital displays should be consistent with Newcastle University branding. See our brand guidelines for more information.

When creating designs for digital displays, remember to:

• use the University logo, with the correct colours and dimensions
• use the University brand colours for text and background
• use our University font, but avoid using italics
• apply an approved template, with images, info and URLs arranged consistently
• use correct typography and avoid big blocks of text so your message meets accessibility guidelines
• use the correct contrast to ensure your text stands out against your background

Don't use QR codes as the only link, as it may not be safe for some viewers to use their phone when they see the display.

When shortening a URL, you may remove the 'http://www.' and use 'ncl.ac.uk' at the start.

Make sure the link makes it clear where your user is going (ie ncl.ac.uk/law). If you are using a link shortener, make sure you use our agreed shortened URL.

Find out more about our visual identity.

Using other media

Adding other types of media can make your message stand out.

Always make sure you have the rights to use any images, video or other media before including them.

If using images, make sure they are appropriately sized, particularly if applied to a design template.

Text placed over an image can often be harder to see, so ensure that it is readable when you create your design.

Digital displays do not often feature sound, so avoid using any audio to share your message.

If you are using video, ensure that any clip is short. Use captions for any messages included on the video. See our accessibility page for more information on captioning.

Commissioning digital display space

For advice about digital displays, contact Brand Support at brand-support@ncl.ac.uk. They can help you with out of home digital and print display options and display placement opportunities around campus.