This episode of our digital signage design course, led by Alexander Makhalov, covers essential principles for creating interactive digital signage scenarios that deepen audience engagement and elevate the user experience.
What You’ll Learn in Episode 5: Core Principles of Interactive Digital Signage Design
- Clear Navigation Effective navigation is key to any interactive experience. Users should be able to move seamlessly between sections with minimal effort. Use clear labels on buttons and menus so users know what to expect with each tap. Additionally, indicate the user’s current location within the interface by highlighting active buttons or section headers. For multi-page setups, always provide a "Back" or "Close" button, and consider Look DS’s "idle timeout" feature to automatically reset the interface after a period of inactivity.
- Obvious Calls to Action Interactive elements should clearly indicate where users can interact. Make buttons, menus, and product cards visually distinct from static text to ensure they stand out. Concise language combined with noticeable elements encourages users to take the desired actions, like learning more about a product or completing a purchase.
- Clear Visuals and Familiar UX Patterns Using well-known icons, illustrations, and visual patterns familiar from other interfaces enhances usability. For instance, recognizable icons like a map symbol help users identify sections quickly without needing additional text, making navigation intuitive and user-friendly.
- Microinteractions and Responsiveness Feedback from the system reassure users that their actions are recognized. Microinteractions—such as animations, color changes, or slight button movements—provide visual cues that guide users through the experience. Look Layout Designer includes click animations by default, ensuring feedback is part of the interaction.
- Accessibility Accessibility is essential for creating inclusive digital signage. Ensure adequate color contrast, readable text sizes, and easily accessible navigation elements. In certain scenarios, using alternative formats like audio prompts can improve accessibility, helping you reach a broader audience.
Following these principles—clear navigation, prominent calls to action, familiar visuals, responsive interactions, and accessibility—will help you create compelling, user-centered digital signage experiences. Remember to incorporate general design principles discussed in previous episodes for the best results.
All examples from this episode were created in Look DS without any coding. To explore these templates and start building your own interactive layouts, register for Look DS and take advantage of our 14-day free trial.
