One of the biggest advantages digital government signage provides is the ability to display live information, in real-time. This is particularly true when compared to traditional, more static signage, which needs to be reproduced every time details change. But, while this functionality is easy to set up, getting the most out of it requires a little creativity.
Here we look at how government digital signage is used to provide audiences with live updates. As part of this, we explore the different types of live information you might want to display. We also share our tips for optimising the effectiveness of your local council digital signage system.
Why is live information important?
Government digital signage is designed to keep communities updated on the issues that affect them most. When used well, it can be a powerful tool for promoting resident and visitor awareness and engagement. And the key to achieving this is providing information that is both current and relevant.
The last couple of years has proven this, with digital signage being key to many organisations’ COVID response plans. From providing the latest case numbers to promoting good health practices, government digital signage has been a primary channel for public health messaging. It has also supported important safety measures, like check-in QR codes and queue management at testing and vaccination centres.
The dynamic nature of digital signage means it’s perfectly suited to supporting emergency situations that are constantly evolving. Clear communication is critical in such moments, and content can be quickly updated and displayed across the digital signage network. This process can be made even easier through automation and integration with relevant data sources (e.g. emergency services messaging systems).
What sort of live information can you display?
Government digital screens are a great option for sharing many different types of information. For example, we have seen digital displays used to publish and promote:
- COVID-19 data: As mentioned above, many organisations have built their pandemic management plans around digital signage systems. Specifically, they have used these screens to provide health alerts and exposure site details, as well as public health, messaging. Some local council digital signage has also been used to provide directions to local testing and vaccination services.
- Emergency information: Beyond the pandemic, government digital signage can be used to support a wide range of other emergency management initiatives. For example, these screens can be used to provide warnings about fires, extreme weather, and major traffic incidents. They can also support evacuation procedures, with the displayed content designed to match the type and location of the safety incident.
- Customer service metrics: Improving visitor and queue management has become a major focus for many government organisations. Government digital signage can help with this by supporting the check-in process and providing wait time details. The same screens can also be used to keep visitors entertained and engaged while they wait.
- Breaking news stories: Government digital signage systems can also be integrated with relevant news sources and sports scores. This enables the latest headlines and results to be displayed and updated automatically. It can also help increase engagement with the screens, which, in turn, can boost the effectiveness of other messaging.
What needs to be considered when designing a government digital signage system?
There are a few important factors that need to be thought through when planning a new digital signage solution. This includes:
- What the signs will be used for: Government digital signage can be used in many different ways and for many different purposes. Knowing exactly what you will use your system for should make it easier to design a suitable solution.
- The type and location of screens: Where your digital signage will be installed impacts everything from the best hardware to use to the best content to display. As such, it’s important to have a view of this before finalising the design of your system.
- Any integrations required: If you’re planning to display live information, you will need to set up connections with the relevant data sources. This will allow information to flow between the systems and automate the updating of content on your digital display.
- Any content templates required: Having templates for the main types of information your signage will be used for will speed up the publication process. It will also increase the consistency of your content and should make your displays seem more professional and credible.
Want to discuss this further?
If you would like more information on using government digital signage to display live information, contact Amped Digital. As one of Australia’s leading providers of local council digital signage, we’re experts in designing fit-for-purpose signage solutions. We work with the industry’s biggest names and can help you choose hardware that suits your strategy and budget.
