Digital Signage For Schools vs Traditional Signage

Today’s world has become undeniably digital, with constantly evolving technologies making contemporary society totally unrecognisable from how it was 20 years ago. 

There are currently 5.03 billion internet users globally which is equivalent to 63.1% of the world’s total population. This transition to digital signage for schools is being felt in every industry, and the education sector is no exception.

From the move to interactive whiteboards, to the use of iPads and laptops in place of traditional notebooks, the school landscape is moving with the times. School signage is no exception to this wave of technological change, with digital signage for schools becoming more and more commonplace. 

Whilst we at Cleverbox believe traditional school signage is still a core component of traditional marketing and branding for educational bodies, digital signage for schools is fast establishing itself and becoming increasingly prevalent in and around the school environment. 

Digital signage enables easy and effective communication with staff, students and visitors. Through this, it is transforming the school signage landscape. And whilst it won’t be replacing traditional signage any time soon, it is certainly proving its worth.

What are the advantages of digital signage for schools?

When considering the benefits of implementing digital signage for schools, some of the primary advantages include:

• Providing a quick and easy means of distributing messages to the school community. Whether it be aimed at students, visitors or faculty, this can keep individuals educated and informed, improving communication both in terms of time and breadth of distribution.
• Keep your messaging in line with certain themes throughout the year. Digital screens let you adjust branding according to seasonal changes, from promoting festive cheer at Christmas time to promoting your school sports day.
• When required, it is simple to change messaging across all digital signage. There is no need for the system to be changed completely, it can be easily and quickly updated from a central source. This helps with managing everything from sudden changes in schedule to total school rebrands.
• Enables you to ensure branding is kept consistent. Digital designs are an easy means of aligning brand guidelines, by keeping colours, fonts and logos consistent throughout your entire establishment, helping complement your existing internal/external signage.
• Display student work around the school. Due to the benefit of quick updates, these can be kept current and up-to-date. This is a great way to celebrate student success, impress school visitors and improve ambition and morale among your students.

Traditional signage vs. digital signage

Whilst it is true that the world is becoming more reliant on digital methods and gradually shifting away from traditional communication, conventional signage is certainly not becoming redundant. Large external signage, wayfinding, and internal displays remain a pivotal element of a school’s branding strategy. A core part of the marketing efforts, it is one of the first visual elements of your school environment that visitors are exposed to.

We at Cleverbox are experts in school signage and have completed large scale installations all over the country for hundreds of schools. From architectural lettering to wayfinding systems, traditional signage still firmly has its place in school environments. Some of the greatest methods of utilising school signage within your grounds include:

• Large-scale Architectural Lettering: Make a bold statement and create an instant visual impact. Your school’s name and logo can be manufactured into effective architectural lettering and mounted high on the side of your building, making for a clear, striking and significant impression for passers by.
• Traditional Post & Panel Signage: Manufactured to the highest specifications, this is an excellent choice for a main school entrance sign. A bold,on-brand, long-standing sign provides the perfect introduction to your school, without the need to worry about damage caused by adverse conditions.

• Wayfinding Systems: Signage directing visitors and new pupils around your school should be clear, consistent and fully considered. Whether traditional signs or more modern free standing monoliths, installing these permanent fixtures lends itself to a more direct, digestible means of getting your message across, all the while keeping your school brand consistent.
• Internal Displays: Whether you are reinforcing your school values throughout your corridors or showcasing an array of subject specific photography, large display boards and digital wallpaper; A variety of internal signage can add character to atriums, libraries, canteens, for example, and create a designed environment that really sings a school’s ethos.

As experts in school signage systems for over 25 years, we are well placed to provide expert insight and guidance on your next signage project. From the initial creative flair to carefully managing the project from start to finish, we know what it takes to deliver an impactful and professional signage system.

If you are looking to update your signage in school, get in touch with the Cleverbox team to see how we might be able to work together.