Universities are busy, complex environments with hundreds or even thousands of people moving between buildings every day. Students need to find lecture theatres, staff need to communicate information, and visitors need to be impressed by the campus.
Digital signage can help universities manage all of these requirements from one flexible system. But what is the best LED screen for a university?
There is no single screen that suits every campus. The best solution depends on where displays will be installed, who will use them, what information they need to show and whether they are intended for indoor or outdoor use.
What should university digital signage do?
University digital signage needs to be more versatile than a simple advertising screen. It can become a central communication tool used throughout campus.
Common applications include:
- Welcome messages
- Campus announcements
- Lecture and event information
- Wayfinding
- Open day promotions
- Student achievements
- Emergency communications
- Timetable information
- University branding
- Social media feeds
A central content management system can allow authorised staff to update displays remotely, making it much easier to keep information accurate.
LED screens for university reception areas
Reception is often the first point of contact for prospective students, parents, visitors and business partners. A large LED video wall can create a strong first impression while providing useful information.
Universities can display branded content, campus footage, student success stories, upcoming events and important announcements. Unlike a static display, the content can change throughout the day, allowing the same screen to serve several purposes.
Digital signage for wayfinding
Large university campuses can be surprisingly difficult to navigate, particularly for new students. Digital displays can provide directions to lecture theatres, libraries, accommodation, sports facilities and student services.
This can be particularly useful during freshers’ week, enrolment and open days, when large numbers of people may be unfamiliar with the campus. Displays can also be updated when rooms or events change, avoiding the need to replace printed signs.
Choosing LED screens for different campus locations
A university may require several types of digital display rather than one standard solution. Indoor LED screens can work particularly well in reception areas, atriums, student unions and large communal spaces.
Smaller digital signage displays may be more appropriate for corridors, notice areas and individual departments.
Outdoor LED screens require different specifications. They need sufficient brightness to remain visible in daylight as well as protection from rain, dust and changing temperatures. The location should therefore be considered before deciding on the screen itself.
Consider viewing distance and pixel pitch
Pixel pitch is an important consideration when selecting an LED display. It refers to the distance between the individual pixels that make up an LED screen. Generally, the closer viewers are likely to stand, the finer the pixel pitch required for a sharp image.
For example, a video wall in a reception area may be viewed from only a few metres away, whereas a large outdoor display could be designed to be viewed from much further across a campus.
Look for easy LED screen content management
The best university digital signage system should be straightforward for staff to manage. A cloud-based content management system can allow authorised users to update displays from a central location rather than physically visiting every screen.
Useful features may include:
- Remote content updates
- Scheduled playlists
- Multiple user accounts
- Different content for different screens
- Emergency message overrides
- Remote monitoring
This is particularly valuable for universities with multiple campuses or large numbers of displays.
Can LED screens support emergency communication?
LED screens can also play an important role in communicating urgent information. If a building needs to close, an event is cancelled or important safety information needs to be shared, an emergency message can be pushed to relevant screens.
The ability to override scheduled content means important announcements can take priority immediately. Digital signage should not replace dedicated emergency systems, but it can provide an additional communication channel across busy university environments.
Use LED displays to enhance open days
University open days are an important opportunity to attract prospective students. Digital displays can help create a modern and engaging experience while communicating information about courses, facilities, accommodation and student life.
Large LED video walls can showcase campus footage, student projects and achievements, while smaller displays can direct visitors towards departments, talks and facilities.
What is the best digital signage solution for a university?
The best digital signage solution is one that matches the university’s buildings, audiences and communication requirements.
Working with an experienced digital signage and LED screen supplier can help universities develop a system that works across different areas of the campus, from reception and student services to lecture buildings, sports facilities and outdoor spaces.