Project Overview
Industry: Education
Location: Ryerson University
Goal: Refresh the school's image using technology and digital signage to enhance inclusivity among students, staff, and faculty.
Existing Signage Installations:
Specific services available to students
Event or contest information
Important deadlines
Campus-related key information
Recruiting and fundraising promotions
Audience Analysis
The audience for the Ryerson University Digital Signage Design project is diverse and multifaceted, encompassing students, faculty, and visitors. The primary audience includes:
Full-Time Undergraduate Students (72%):
First-Year Students (22%):
They require guidance on navigating the campus, finding events, and accessing resources.
International Students (8%):
Need support with integration, finding resources, and understanding campus policies.
Continuing Education Students (21%):
Typically looking for updates on available courses, workshops, and events tailored to their interests.
Graduate Students (5%):
Require information on academic resources, research opportunities, and event schedules relevant to their advanced studies.
Full-Time Faculty (2%):
Need efficient ways to communicate with students, post announcements, and share academic achievements.
The digital signage aims to meet the needs of these varied groups by providing tailored content, including event announcements, wayfinding assistance, academic schedules, and promotional information. Additionally, the system supports multiple languages to aid international students and enhance inclusivity. By addressing these specific needs, the digital signage project aims to create a more connected and informed campus community.
Traffic Pattern & Placement
Understanding the traffic patterns and strategic placement of digital signage is crucial for maximizing visibility and engagement. At Ryerson University, we have identified high, medium, and low foot traffic areas to ensure optimal placement of digital signage, catering to the needs of diverse audience groups.
High Foot Traffic Areas
High foot traffic areas are bustling with activity and cater to a large number of target audiences, including undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty members.
Medium Foot Traffic Areas
Medium foot traffic areas are accessed by a significant portion of the campus population, primarily undergraduate and graduate students, along with some faculty members.
Low Foot Traffic Areas
Low foot traffic areas are primarily frequented by undergraduate students and include locations such as:
HOEM Student Residence: The lobby entrance of the student residence is ideal for displaying content relevant to resident students and visitors, including food availability, Covid-19 regulations, and Ryerson branding.
Podium Building Service Hub: Serving as a service hub, this location can provide important administrative information, wayfinding assistance, and service-related announcements.
Display Groups Overview
The digital signage display groups at Ryerson University are strategically categorized and placed based on audience type, foot traffic, and the specific needs of each location. The passive content for these displays is tailored to engage the respective audience groups effectively. Each display group is designed to deliver relevant information, enhance campus communication, and promote inclusivity.
Display Group A: General Audience
These displays cater to a broad audience, including students, staff, and faculty from various programs and departments. The content focuses on general announcements and campus-wide updates.
Display Group B: Program-Specific Audience
These displays are placed in locations frequented by students and staff from specific programs, providing content relevant to their academic and professional interests.
Display Group C: Residents and Visitors
These displays target resident students and campus visitors, offering information that enhances their campus living experience and promotes the university’s brand identity.
Passive Content Design
The passive content for Ryerson University's digital signage is carefully curated to provide relevant and engaging information to different audience groups. The content is categorized into three main display groups based on the location and audience type, ensuring that each group receives tailored information that meets their specific needs.
Passive Content for Display GroupA:
These displays are placed in high-traffic areas frequented by a broad range of students, staff, and faculty from various programs and departments. The content is designed to be widely relevant and informative for the entire campus community.
General Announcements: Key information relevant to all students, staff, and faculty, such as campus-wide events, policy updates, and important deadlines.
Event and Contest Details: Information about upcoming events, campus contests, and opportunities for student involvement.
Student/Group Advertisements: Ads and promotional content uploaded by students or campus groups, showcasing various activities and initiatives.
Display Group B: Program-Specific Audience
These displays are located in areas where specific academic programs are housed, targeting students and staff within those programs. The content focuses on program-related information and resources.
Student and Staff Achievements: Highlights of notable accomplishments and recognitions within the specific programs.
Important Dates and Reminders: Program-specific deadlines, such as registration dates, exam schedules, and project due dates.
Available Resources and Services: Information about resources and services available within the program’s facilities, including study spaces, labs, and support services.
Program Event Announcements: Details about academic events, seminars, and workshops relevant to the program.
Display Group C: Residents and Visitors
These displays are intended for resident students and campus visitors, providing information that enhances their campus experience and promotes Ryerson University’s brand identity.
Food Availability: Information about dining options available in the building, including menus and special offers.
Ryerson Branding and Identity: Content that promotes the university’s brand, showcasing its history, values, and achievements.
Residence Snapshots: Visual highlights of residence facilities, providing a glimpse into campus living.
Covid-19 Rules and Guidelines: Updated health and safety protocols for visitors and residents, ensuring compliance with university and public health guidelines.
Interactive Content Design
The interactive content design for Ryerson University’s digital signage system is focused on enhancing user engagement and providing a more dynamic and personalized experience. The interactive panels offer advanced functionality, allowing users to access relevant information, navigate the campus, and participate in campus activities more efficiently.
Main Menu
The main menu serves as the central hub for interactive content, providing easy access to various features tailored to the needs of students, faculty, and visitors.
Interactive Panels:
Wayfinding System:
Description: An advanced wayfinding system that helps users find specific classrooms, study rooms, and other locations on campus.
Features: Interactive maps, step-by-step directions, and estimated travel times.
Search Tool:
Description: A powerful search tool that allows students and faculty to find available information quickly.
Features: Search for course schedules, professor office hours, and available study rooms. The search results are personalized based on the user's background, program, course schedule, and academic term.
News Panel:
Description: An informative panel for students and faculty to read or post news based on their preferences.
Features: Campus news updates, event announcements, and the ability to send news articles to the user's Ryerson email (R-mail).
Gallery:
Description: An inclusive space for students and faculty to share their work and achievements.
Features: Display student projects, faculty research, and other academic achievements.
Interactive Functionality:
Mobile Device Connectivity:
Description: Users can connect to the interactive panel using their mobile devices by scanning a QR code.
Features: Access a simplified version of the interactive panel on a mobile-friendly website.
Benefit: Enhances accessibility and convenience, allowing users to interact with the content on their personal devices.
Content Take-Away:
Description: The "send to my R-mail" feature allows users to save content from the interactive panel to their university email.
Features: Save news articles, event details, and wayfinding directions.
Benefit: Enables users to access important information later, enhancing the utility and practicality of the digital signage.
Content Upload:
Description: Students and faculty can upload school-related digital assets to the digital signage DAM system.
Features: Upload images, videos, and documents for display on the signage.
Benefit: Facilitates user-generated content, increasing engagement and participation from the campus community.
Personalization:
Description: The search and news panels are customized based on the user's background and academic profile.
Features: Personalized recommendations and tailored content based on program, course schedule, and academic term.
Benefit: Provides a more relevant and personalized experience, improving user satisfaction and engagement.
