Communications

Vision

Our vision for screens

Digital screens are located around campus in key areas where staff, students and visitors will find useful information, announcements and news appropriate to the location of the screen.

Each screen displays information which is tailored according to:

• The location of the screen
• The target audience
• The information need at that specific date and time

The screens are managed by a University wide system allowing both University wide and local level information to be displayed.  The screens will complement the range of other communication methods which are already in place for example, York Extra, posters etc.

Each screen has an identified contact who is responsible for maintaining the information on the screen. This includes:

• Generating appropriate content
• Choosing appropriate templates
• Scheduling information
• Monitoring use of the screen
• Granting permission to display information - if not University wide content

University wide information is provided centrally and is displayed alongside locally generated content on appropriate screens using the relevant templates.

The design of templates and imagery for the screens are of high production quality and reflect the values in keeping with the world class standing of the University. New designs and up-to-date news and information are regularly produced.

A ‘big button’ function is available for the take-over of all screens should the need arise to broadcast an emergency message.

Locations and owners

Screen locations and owners

We have a number of different screens located around campus. Some screens publish content through a central content management system, some use a system owned by a department and some publish content generated by YUSU our Student Union.

The following list shows where the main information screens are located and the 'owner' of that screen who will have editorial control over the content that appears. The list includes screens on the central management system and those currently run by YUSU, it does not list the departmental run screens. This list will be updated as screens are installed and swapped over to the central system.

List of digital screen locations and content owners February 2012 (PDF , 544kb)

If your content is of interest or importance to all audiences then you can contact communications or the AV office to get your slides on the central playlist. However, if you want to get information showing on a particular screen or screens in a particular area (for examle the library), then you may need to get permission first from the local screen owner(s).

Design

Designing content for the screens

When developing content for the digital screens you should need to think carefully about the visual appearance and the text content. To maintain the quality of communications around campus when you are designing a screen please ensure:

• Any images are high broadcast quality (HD or XGA depending on the screen resolution)
• Text / copy is clear and well written - what key points are you making?
• Content appears in a well thought out and appropriately designed template
• What appears on the screen is tailored to the location of the screen e.g. reception or catering outlet
• Content is appropriate for the target audience e.g. visitors, students or staff
• Time sensitive information and news is relevant for that specific date and time e.g. open day

If you intend to design a screen or template for the digital screens, please read the design guidance. The University also provides a design service through Design, copy and print who will be happy to help.

Guidance

Guidance on using the digital screens

The Digital Screens Guidance (PDF , 343kb)refers to the content, design and use of the digital display screens we have around campus. It does not include those screens owned and run independently by individual departments or by YUSU (the Student Union).

Our intention is that each digital screen should display information which is tailored according to:

• The location of the screen e.g. reception or catering outlet
• The target audience e.g. visitors, students or staff
• The information need at that specific date and time e.g. open day

The centrally owned screens are managed by a University wide system allowing both corporate and localised information to be displayed. 

The screens complement the range of other communication methods which are already in place for example, York Extra, posters, email lists etc.

Where possible each screen has an identified contact who is responsible for maintaining the information on the screen. University wide content; news and information is provided centrally and is displayed alongside localised content created, or authorised, by the local screen contact. A list of screen locations and owners can be found under the 'locations and owners' tab.

Please read the full guidance document Guidance for the use of University digital screens (PDF , 343kb)

Purchasing

Purchasing a screen