The perfect spot for your displays - a few ideas

Where do I put this thing now, so that everyone can see it?! - a wonderful question! As important as the content on your display is - we've already covered this topic several times here on the blog - the positioning of the screen is just as important!

It's not that complicated: You put the thing somewhere and then people see it.

Ok! Thanks for reading, see ya!

Well, it's not that simple. A few things should still be considered!

Ensure basic requirements for the operation!

First things first, the basics have to be checked: Does the chosen location have the necessary power and network connections? Is it allowed to place the device here at all? Any security concerns? Because in the end, a device can be placed in the perfect spot aesthetic-wise; if it does not function properly there or even endangers your customers and employees, it should be moved immediately!

Eye-catching and unremarkable at the same time - a paradox

Now that the device is up and running and not putting anyone in danger, the people are now ready to see it. And of course, depending on the application, there are countless ways to enable them to do so.But which way is the right one? That is completely case-dependent, but with the rule of thumb mentioned in the headline, you can begin to exclude unsuitable places and with that knowledge find the right ones.

You want to show people who is currently occupying the office? Well, it should then of course be placed at a location near to the office. Well, why not put it directly onto the door? Well, what if the fine guys and girls who use the room are taking a break or just leave the door open for ventilation? The sign is now out of view for everyone outside the office.

Normally, office signs are located right next to the door. There they are eye-catching enough for the one who is looking and unremarkable enough for the one who already knows what is going on in the room. And it's also near the office, perfect!

You probably knew that and now you're thinking to yourself:

Wow, thanks for that, I would never have thought of it myself!

Seriously now. As simple as this example is - it is a perfect example on how to deal with any kind of display!

In other words you could also say: How do I force people to look at my content without them noticing or being annoyed?

The Public Display of the nestor Hotel in Ludwigsburg - looks hidden, but it fits there quite well!
The Public Display of the nestor Hotel in Ludwigsburg - looks hidden, but it fits there quite well!

Everybody needs some free space - also a screen

One rule that everyone can take to heart that can even be applied to screens. And don't worry, your screen doesn't need therapy, it just needs space.

What exactly is meant by that? Of course it needs the space to stand there at all or to be attached, but that's not what I mean.

The best way to describe this is the so-called white space from the design language. This is nothing more than the unprinted or empty space between design elements. By using this approach, the content can be structured and emphasized in the design language, making it easier for the viewer to digest the content.

Room display in the HELIOS ostsee resort damp - by the way, the wood application is a stylish way of establishing white space!
Room display in the HELIOS ostsee resort damp - by the way, the wood application is a stylish way of establishing white space!

More about the whitespace concept can be found at the following links if you are interested.

This concept can then be abstracted and applied to the position of your screen: If it stands there, cluttered by other objects, it is no longer noticeable and the user may be overwhelmed by the sensory overload. The other way around: If the screen stands completely alone and without reference to a location, it can also be overlooked.

This means that you should find a healthy middle ground and give the display some room to unfold, while still ensuring that it does not lose its reference to the location.

A certain sweet spot, which is probably best found through proper planning and trial and error.

The Public Display of the Sparkassenschule Bayern in Landshut - that's already a good start!
The Public Display of the Sparkassenschule Bayern in Landshut - that's already a good start!

Speaking of trial and error - in case of doubt, you can also put the stuff somewhere else.

To put it a bit casually, but it really hits the nail on the head: You shouldn't be afraid to change the position of the screen if you have doubts about its effect.

In the end, it can happen that you have objectively found the perfect place, but your users simply tick differently. Well, time to get the binoculars and do some good old observation: Analyzing what your customers paths are, how they search for information, where they look, etc. look, etc.

This will surely help you to find a good solution that you and your users will be satisfied with.

And to contradict myself at the end: There is no such thing as a perfect place, of course, but it would be boring if there was, wouldn't it?

Final words

Well, that's it, folks! Hope you had as much fun reading as I had writing this entry!

If you have any questions we're always here for you, and you can of course write to me directly at fcoenen@netmax.de!

Thanks for tuning in!

Until then! Don't be a stranger!

July 05, 2021