This month two of our Cert III Signage apprentices, Phil and Jack, were lucky to take part in a technical vinyl application workshop at Polytechnic West.

Trade supplier, Spandex, organised the event in conjunction with Avery Graphics. Theo Kostarakis from Avery Graphics delivered a highly instructional and hands on course which our apprentices really enjoyed, so much so that Phil has declared he wants to specialise in vehicle wraps!  Photo evidence below.

Thanks to Spandex, Avery and Polytechnic West for the wonderful opportunity!

Signs & Lines is a specialist when it comes to creating a piece of art as well as a functional sign. This totem sign at Wanangkura Stadium in Port Hedland is one such example.

In 2013 our design team were tasked with coming up with a creative solution for the new Stadium's signage. Inspired by the modular architectural design of the structure the totem signage creative evolved into unique, stylish and functional ''artwork'' - fitting with the brief.

To enhance appreciation of the design at the early stages of the sign's development we created a Sketchup, 3 dimensional video to allow for full appreciation of the design [as shown below.]

Wanangkura Stadium was recognised with Public Architecture award at the 2015 WA Architecture Awards held in early July through architect firm, ARM. It was also a shortlist candidate at the World Architecture Festival 2013 - sports stadium category.
 
Mayor Kelly Howlett was honoured that Port Hedland’s iconic building was recognised among a competitive field and comments, “Architecturally, the building is like no other in Western Australia. It combines innovative design with modern and functional materials, and has been created with the Pilbara in mind.''

The name for the Centre was chosen from hundreds of local submissions and means 'whirlwind' in the local Kariyarra language. The title pays tribute to the centre's design, which architect Sophie Cleland likened to a cyclonic pattern, creating a 'shimmering, rippling effect on an otherwise flat landscape'.

Not quite sure what a touchscreen is? Afraid to ask the question for fear of looking a bit ''out of touch'' (excuse the pun!).

Touchscreen technology is literally bringing the world to our fingertips. In this 3 Part series we are going to explore a bit more about the History of Touchscreens (Part I), how the technology works (Part II) and then look into the future to see how Touchscreens are shaping up to become an even bigger part of our lives (Part III).

HISTORY: Touchscreen technology has been around for longer than you might think! Even though we tend to consider it a new technology, it has been around for 50 years or more.
1948:  Looking back in time, the technology historians say that the foundation for touch technology started with the music industry, with touch-sensitive synthesizers. Hugh Le Caine’s Electronic Sackbut used a piano keyboard and a control board, and people playing the instrument could use touch to control the volume via pressure on the keys, while also changing the texture options for the music via the control board.
1965: The first finger driven touchscreens were invented by EA Johnson. A screen was developed in the UK by the Royal Radar Establishment which paved the way as a basic version of the touchscreen technology that eventually went on to emerge in ATMs and customer service kiosks of all types.
1972: The University of Illinois created the first widely-known and used touchscreen known as the PLATO IV terminal. This was a follow on from educational computer systems and this particular system utilized an infrared touch panel, which students would use to answer questions. The system was used throughout the State in many Illinois classrooms.
1982: Multi-touch technology was introduced involving the use of a video camera that was able to interface with a computer. The concept was later put into use in screens in 1984, and its first uses enabled people to manipulate computer graphics using their fingers.
1983: Hewlett Packard invented the first computer touchscreen.
1993: The first touchscreen phone was released by IBM and BellSouth  - the Simon Personal Communicator Phone, which included a pen-based sketchpad.
2011: Microsoft and Samsung introduce PixelSense technology in which an infra-red backlight reflects light back to sensors that convert it to an electronic signal and the Tablet, as we now know them, was born.

The rest as they say is history! 

QUICK FACTS: Statistics for 2014 reveal that 1.4 billion smartphones are in use, 6% of the global population owns a tablet and over 22% own a smartphone.  Commercial take up of touchscreen technology is expanding at 40% p.a.  

Part II coming soon ...

SOURCE: http://www.computersciencezone.org/touchscreen-technology/

Very proud of our team for this amazing new LED Digital sign in Virgin's shiny new terminal at Perth Airport. Under extremely tight deadlines and working very long, unsociable hours, our superstars managed to get this project across the line and it looks fab!  Located 9 metres above floor level in the check-in area, and almost 7 metres wide, you wont miss it next time you fly.

The Display Suite Digital Signage for Finbar Group provided a true turnkey solution, with all 7 key elements of the project designed and delivered by S&L Digital. Arguably the most critical of these 7 elements is what we call ''Business'', or the purpose of the signage. With a clear purpose in mind, our solution can be tailored and in this case involved Design, Hardware, Software, Content, Connectivity and Operations.

It's always nice to shout about our happy customers and in this case we will share their comments:

“From the very beginning Signs & Lines were professional, easy to work with and extremely knowledgeable.
 
The sales consultant came out to us with a detailed and easy to understand presentation of the products and services available, which ultimately made our decision very easy. From there the communication was top notch with all staff members as we finalised our requirements, designs, fitout and visual content.
 
Upon completion the staff kept in contact on a regular basis and continued to help us with training and any queries we had.
 
We are extremely pleased with the end product and have received great feedback from our own customers. We look forward to working with the team at Signs & Lines again in the future”
 
Kind Regards,
Samara Norris, Executive Manager – Member Relations, Finbar Group
 
We'll take that as a job well done!

Read more about this digital display in the downloadable Case Study below.

Is signage part of your marketing mix?

We all know the concept of the "7 P's" of marketing - for those that need reminding they are -

1. product
2. price
3. place
4. promotion
5. people
6. positioning
7. packaging

So, how does signage play its part in this mix? We believe it's a combination of place, promotion and positioning. People need to know where you are (Place), your business name, details and offering (Promotion) and a strong, clear brand that defines the product/service(s) on offer (Positioning). All three are vital in creating customer awareness.

Signage is ideally placed to address these 3 P's and the infographic on the right demonstrates the power of on-premise signage.

First time customers were surveyed within within 30-45 days of a new premises sign installation. They were asked:

'How did you learn about us'? 

46% said it was due to signage!

That's POWERFUL ... and evidence that effective signage is a wise investment and should always be considered as part of your Marketing Mix!!

Techorating - the fusion of technology and decorating to create a digital canvas or art collection.

Around 7 years ago LG Electronics coined the term "techorating" - an apt description for how the digital signage era has led an evolution of tech based  solutions to create interior design and décor 'WOW' factor.

Whilst some might find techorating in the mansions of the rich and famous, us humble mortals are probably more likely to come across techorating in professional spaces such as corporate offices, galleries, museums or 5* hotels where digital screens are displayed in interesting and artistic ways.

This is a fantastic opportunity for professional groups such as architects, interior architects, interior designers and interior decorators to include display technology in their design plans right from the outset of a project.

The beauty of these digital canvas' is that they are fluid - and can change to the reflect mood or dynamics of a space. The technology allows the user to build a digital art collection that is then programmed to stream according to the audience, the time of day,  special features or performances, or topical designers/artists. 

Even when buying a humble cheesecake these days, the experience is enhanced by an in-store digital signage kiosk to assist with ordering. The small shop fronts typical in these stores, with minimal staffing, lend themselves well to these small yet highly functional touchscreens, allowing shoppers to discover the entire cake range, pricing and availability at the touch of a finger. And yes, we ordered the Chocaholic's Dream!

Use digital signage to Sell, Sell, Sell when Location is everything!

Static images have their place, but if you're in the game of selling a great location - whether it be a wedding venue, a hotel, an apartment or house - then emotive digital content is going to seal the deal when it comes to video fly-throughs, fly-overs or fly-bys! Our digital graphics team of supermen, and superwomen, can create beautiful, engaging content to take your buyers to new heights.

Here's a quick example of what we mean; http://psaros.cmhost.com.au/sundance/?location
Talk to us today about how we can make your next location seal the deal!