Electronic Scrolling Sign: Design Tips

Electronic scrolling signs are a dynamic way to display promotional or informational messages. With programmable LED text and graphics that move across the screen, they command attention for advertising or public guidance. Following key design principles allows creating effective and eye-catching electronic scrolling signs.

Choose Appropriate Size

Consider viewing distance and letter height needed for readability. Larger signs are required for long distance visibility:

• 12-15 feet for indoor pedestrian traffic.

• 20-30 feet for vehicle traffic.

• 50+ feet for highways or large venues.

Select the right LED message display board size for the intended viewing range.

Pick Visible Location

Place the sign where the target audience will clearly see the messages:

• High-traffic areas and intersections.

• Entrances and lobbies.

• Waiting areas and queues.

• Near bleachers or stages.

• Above busy pedestrian zones.

Optimal electronic scrolling message board placement ensures messages are noticed.

Choose Optimum Height

Mount the sign at a height for easy readability:

• 5-7 feet for standing pedestrian view.

• 8-12 feet for wheeled traffic.

• 13+ feet for long distance visibility.

The right mounting height avoids obscuring the electronic scrolling sign.

Consider Content Format

How messages display impacts effectiveness:

• Large single-line text for concise info.

• Multi-lined messages for more detail.

• Simple graphics and icons for quick understanding.

• Combinations of text, images and video for maximum versatility.

Match the programmable LED message board format to the message content.

Design for Fast Readability

Message design should allow quick comprehension at a glance:

• 3-5 words per line.

• 2 lines maximum for moving vehicles.

• Important words first, then details.

• Consistent text sizing for similar info types.

Well-formatted info on the electronic message display is easily digestible.

Use Accent Lighting

Use spotlights or LED strips to draw attention to the sign:

• Gooseneck spotlights on top.

• Ground-aimed uplighting.

• LED light bars around the edges.

Subtly illuminated digital scrolling message boards stand out.

Make Messages Concise

Long messages are hard to read while moving:

• Use succinct phrasing to convey the message quickly.

• Limit message cycles to 60-90 seconds.

• Display calls to action or critical details.

Brief scrolling text keeps led scrolling message displays easy to comprehend.

Allow Adequate Cycle Time

The message scroll speed impacts effectiveness:

• Speed of 2-6 seconds optimal for pedestrians.

• 8-12 seconds works for vehicle traffic.

• Provide at least 3 repeats for visibility.

Appropriate scroll rates keep electronic moving message displays readable.

Ensure Visibility

Use bright LEDs and large characters:

• Use bold text instead of narrow fonts.

• White or amber LEDs provide good contrast.

• Dynamic brightness adjustment for conditions.

Prominent digital LED message boards stand out in any environment.

Add Visual Interest

Use motion, color, and change to capture attention:

• Scrolling, flashing, or spinning effects.

• Color-coded info categories.

• Changing images and animations.

• Cycle through multiple layouts and themes.

Visually interesting electronic reader board signs draw more notice.

Conclusion

Well-designed electronic scrolling signs effectively display information and engage audiences. Following basic principles of suitable size and placement, optimized viewing height, fast-scanning message formatting, accent lighting, and visually interesting motion graphics will produce LED signs that deliver results. A strategically designed LED display commands attention.

Read more: Exploring LED Light Towers in Industrial Applications