Slides appear on the screen for 12 seconds, generally once every 2 1/2 minutes.
Think of your slide in terms of a highway billboard. Users have a very limited timeframe to view your slide and digest your message.
University Libraries reserves the right to reject any artwork not adhering to the visual and content guidelines.
Recommendations:
Make a new sign that is simple, to the point, and is the correct size instead of re-using a flyer, poster, etc.
Focus on the basics: Name of the event, time and date, location, etc.
Avoid excessive use of text or paragraphs. Relevant info should be communicated with bullet points or short sentences
Use fonts that are easy to read from a distance. Avoid fancy fonts & fonts with thin letters. Use a minimum text size of 36pt or greater. Headlines should be 72pt or greater.
Use contrasting colors to make content easy to read.
Make sure patterns or pictures don’t interfere with the text.
Include a way for users to get more information, usually a website or email address.
Make sure you use content that you have permission to use.
Do not place important content on the edges of the slide. Keep a 1/4 inch margin around the edges of the slide. Color and images can extend to the edge of the frame.
Test Your Slide Before You Submit
Take a printed copy of your slide and put it on a wall.
Take 20 steps away from the printed copy.
Turn around and immediately start walking towards the printed copy.
Don’t slow down. When you reach the printed copy, turn away.
Stop and think about the printed copy. You have just viewed your slide like a student passing would see it. Ask yourself:
How clear was the copy?
Could you read everything?
Could you tell what the graphics were?
Did the design leave any unanswered questions?
Could you tell what the advertisement was for?
Did the advertisement make sense?
Did you remember to tell students how to get more information?
For an Event
1. If you are creating signage for an event create a new folder and name it beginning with current year, month, then day and finally the name of the event:
year.month.day name of event
Examples:
2016.04.24 Star Trek
2016.10.10 We Are Phil
2. Drag and drop the file into the appropriate folder under Events in the Communications folder on the L Drive.
For a service, resources, etc.
1. If you are creating signage for a service or resources create a new folder and name it whatever the name of the resource or service is.
2. Drag and drop the file into the appropriate folder (usually your departmental folder) in the Communications folder on the L Drive.