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The term "zoning" refers to separating a digital signage screen into various parts that each unique display information. It may include a ticker tape of tweets at the bottom of the screen, a weather widget in the top right, and a news feed in the bottom left.
You've probably seen this particular screen configuration in action on several occasions. The ability to display numerous pieces of data at once makes it a popular option, as it provides more space for advertising and branding.
In this article, we'll go over all you need to know to create stunning zonal displays. Everyone is aware that there are several instances of digital signage done incorrectly. Because it allows for content management outside of tried and true standards, zoning may make terrible presentations quite simple. It would help if you got this properly.
The art of creating a visually appealing zoned display for digital signs
Most digital signage platforms don't provide zone-based targeting since it overwhelms the user with too many customization possibilities. You would assume that more options are always preferable, but in reality, it takes a lot of effort to design a user interface that both looks and feels nice. It might be challenging to comprehend what belongs where and how the overall visual appearance seems to the user if you don't have a background in graphic design and UI.
Designers skilled in creating compelling visual hierarchies are required to guarantee that the information presented is not too complex for the user to comprehend and that the layout is optimized to its full potential.
Thanks to zoning, you get to make these crucial choices yourself. You must make sure the template looks good and that the material is evenly distributed when you get it.
Considering your digital signs appear their best when divided into several areas, consider the following suggestions.
· Create a main zone
Less is more if you want to make an impression with your design. You should avoid overwhelming your audience with five distinct sections containing detailed, distracting information. A design like this is reminiscent of a newspaper and would be too much for any space. In this "journey," you'll want to capture the reader's attention in the main area, hold it for a few seconds as they absorb the content surrounding it, and then lead them to your Twitter feed or news update in the ticker tape at the bottom or top of the screen.
· Create content that complements
Having three distinct content areas might be overwhelming; therefore, these areas must work in harmony with one another. Combining video with a traditional newsfeed and Twitter updates makes for an attractive package. Valuable data may be shown visually, in real-time, or as static information.
· Examine your size, spacing and timetables
Zoning limits the display area of your content regardless of your screen size. It would help if you thought about how this may alter space and readability. For instance, a website with teeny-tiny text may seem fine when shown in its entirety on your 55-inch screen. However, some impact may be lost when the content is reduced to fit inside the sidebar alone.
The same is true for having many content kinds playing simultaneously; the viewer will likely go back and forth between them without fully absorbing the messages presented in each.
· Keep in mind that there is no "one size fits all"
Specific devices may not be compatible with a zonal digital signage platform that allows numerous videos to play simultaneously. Playing two videos is annoying and disruptive, although it is a plus.
Your ticker tape (optimized for social networking, news, and RSS) and the sidebar structure may also prevent you from using some applications. Your audience will have many alternatives, including social networking applications, news, video, and photos.
How to Configure Zoning in Look DS
Use this short tutorial to discover how to transform your screen from regular to zoning inside Look DS Signage.
1. Access the Layouts section
All your existing layouts and the ability to create new ones are accessible from the main Layouts page. You may use the options that appear when you click the three dots to the right of the Layouts header to arrange the layouts in reverse chronological order or alphabetical order. All possible layout cards may be accessed using the same menu.
2. Use the Layout editor interface
Adding new layers, widgets, and events, as well as modifying existing ones, may all be done on the layout editing page. Choose a template from the list of layouts or design a new one to access this page.
3. Select your zoning layout
After selecting the "Change Layout" button, a menu of customization choices will appear. You may start filling each area with the appropriate content when you decide.
4. Use the Playlist
Whenever you add a layout to a screen or group, it acts as a Playlist, a functioning layout area where you can play any Playlist. You can modify the playlist like any other layer and add new widgets and layers.
5. Embedding content
You may now customize the display by assigning unique information to each screen area. If you opt for the three-zone display, you'll notice that selecting a zone brings up a menu of choices. These selections will be culled from the previously provided data, including the files you've uploaded and installed programs.
Apps like CNN, Eronews, BBC, Clocks, Weather, and social network feeds like Twitter and Facebook can all be added to the sidebar, giving you a wide range of customizable material. You may embed your information or applications, such as news feeds, RSS, and Twitter, onto the ticker tape. After dividing your screen into zones and populating them with material, you can see the final result by clicking the "Preview screen" button. After that, you may start playing it for large audiences when you're satisfied!
Do you intend to try out digital signage zoning?
Zones on a screen are not always sinister. Producing material on a divided screen that appears as lovely as it does in full-screen mode is challenging. Think about the visuals, the navigation, and the clarity of your message. If you learn how to make digital signage displays that employ zoning and look amazing, you will be glad of the value they can offer.
