Overview
The digital signage project has created a campus-wide plan for a system of networked digital signage and interactive displays. The plan aims to take advantage of cost savings and other efficiencies from enterprise licensing, bulk purchases, and shared content. The most effective way to accomplish this is to maximize the number of units using the same content management software, allowing for flexibility in hardware, centralizing storage and access of signage content.
As of June 1, 2013, the following groups have deployed Four Winds digital signage:
- School of Music and Dance
- School of Journalism and Communications
- Lundquist College of Business
- UO Libraries
The University of Oregon’s digital signage initiative has been a collaborative effort of multiple departments on campus:
- Office of Research and Strategic Initiatives
- Informational Services
- Lundquist College of Business
- Erb Memorial Union
- School of Journalism and Communication
- UO Libraries
- Office of Emergency Management
- Infographics Lab
The project also had support from UOPD, Disability Services, Media Relations, Orientation Programs, Many Nations Longhouse, Teaching & Learning Center, Registrar's Office, Campus Operations, Design & Editing Services, Development Communications, UO Portland, Alumni Association, Academic Affairs, Holden Center for Leadership and Community Engagement, Student Life, Oregon Humanities Center, PE & Recreation, University House, The Duck Store, Facilities, Development Communications, Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, Marketing & Brand Management, Museum of Natural & Cultural History, Admissions, Academic Extension, and University Health Center.
Information
Digital Signage Implementation Guidelines
Hardware and Software Purchasing
The Office of the CIO currently reviews all technology contracts and purchases. Contracts and purchase requests for digital signs and interactive displays will be reviewed to ensure that systems will be able to be networked with centralized emergency notification, wayfinding, and event calendaring, and that existing site licenses don’t already cover the expressed need.
Additionally, UO Campus Planning and Facilities Management has the centralized requirements for digital displays included in their specifications in order to ensure that the appropriate networking and hardware are introduced into new building, renovation, or improvement projects.
Departments, schools, and colleges that do not opt in to the centralized services may not be able to link to the emergency notification system, the interactive campus map, and other central communications tools; thus it is strongly recommended that one reviews and follows the guidelines provided before starting any digital sign or interactive display project.
Recommended Vendor for Content Management Software
After consideration and evaluation of several vendors and content management providers, the working group unanimously recommended Four Winds Interactive. They provide flexibility in hardware selection/support and have advanced features built into the system including data integration, wayfinding, and interactivity. Additionally, Four Winds designs their products with an awareness of ADA requirements, the development of voice responsive digital signs, and Braille or tactile applications.
Four Winds Interactive Contact Information
Content Management and Distribution
Individual departments, schools, and colleges are responsible for the content that appears on their displays. There are four essential elements that should be incorporated into all displays for consistency of UO branding, wayfinding, event calendaring, and emergency notification:
- UO logo/signature (code from University Communications)
- Campus maps (from Infographics Lab)
- Campus event calendar
- Emergency notification that overrides other content (via Emergency Management)
If an individual department wishes to push a message/content to targeted displays outside their area, they may contact the owners of those displays directly and ask for participation. If an individual department wishes to push a message/content to all displays on the network, the mass email policy (which was formalized in January 2010) can be used as a model for developing a mass digital display message policy. See Policies: Guidelines for Official Mass Email.
Layouts and content should take accessibility and usability into consideration and should adhere to Design and Editing Services' UO Style Guide and the University Communications' Web Standards.