An important consideration when it comes to deploying a digital signage solution is, naturally, the screen on which to display your content. Choosing the right size is an important part of your digital signage solution.

Large screens are familiar in our homes and have been for some time now. It used to be that a 50″ screen was considered too big.

It is now relatively common place. Our homes are typically a smaller, more comfortable environment compared to hotel lobbies or retail environments. A 40″ screen may be fine in a lounge room but will look too small in the grand foyer of a luxury five-star hotel.

Your choice of screen size will depend somewhat on the type of content you are displaying. Screens like flight information traditionally have lots of small text. If you’re using a screen for in-store promotions, the content you play and how it’s produced is just as important as the size of the screen. There is no point in displaying full technical specifications of a product in 10 point type font. People won’t read it regardless of screen size. In this case large images, large fonts and well-designed content should be considered along with the screen size. A 19″ screen will have an impact on your customers if it is positioned correctly.

Resolution is another consideration when thinking about screen size. Many, but not all, screens are true high definition (1920 x 1080 pixels). These resolution screens will provide greater clarity, especially with text, as long as the content is designed accordingly.

Keep in mind how long people will be in the screen’s field of view. If people are passing by outside a retail store, a large screen will have a better effect than a small screen.

Does the screen need to be angled for better effect? Doing so can increase the time a user spends viewing your content.

Will there be any sunlight that will reduce the ability to see the screens at certain times of the day? Or poorly placed phenomena that can do that. If this happens, the screen can often be reduced, if this problem is not eliminated.

I recently saw an installation at a retail store where the screen on the outside of the store was attached to the ceiling and the screen eventually sat near the floor or something else. Unless you’re a 5-year-old (not the target audience for this shop) or your eyes are in your knees, it loses much of its impact due to poor positioning. The materials and installation finish were good but let down with the screen position.

Also take into account where your customers will be viewing the screen and make sure they can read the message from where they are standing.

This is important for digital menu boards, conference information, advertising and more. If you can’t read the message clearly, you may need to reconsider the screen size.

I often pretend I’m a customer and wonder where the best position for the screen would be. Cut pieces of cardboard to the size of the screen you are thinking of and then stand it where you think it will be seen, you may surprise yourself and get the size you thought it would be. What you want or need is not necessarily the best.