Did you ever fantasize that technology would advance to the levels of 3D printing in your lifetime? It has. (You can print pancakes now. Yes, pancakes.) And, the capabilities are only picking up speed. Wearable technology (some are better than others) and electric cars are jumping from the pages of science fiction books and into our everyday lives. While hover boards and “Jetson’s-esque” robot maids are still a few years off from becoming household standards, 2015 is sure to bring some futuristic tech trends our way.

 
1.) Internet On The Go

By now, it’s safe to say that the majority of internet users access the web from their mobile devices. So it’s no stretch of the imagination to see that users will be using these devices as their primary connection. According to Ovum, one billion people will use mobile as their only form of Internet access in 2015.

This will have a hefty impact on cellular service providers who will have to up the speed and optimization of their networks to keep users satisfied. Also, tech trends like these will lead to a wave of hardware upgrades for wireless routers. Finally.   

 
2.) Network Investments

Virtually all aspects of our working lives depend on internet access. In fact, companies actually lose money when their network is down. An Evolven study reported that network “configuration errors can cost companies up to $72,000 per hour in Web application downtime.” To remedy this situation, businesses will reinforce their networks to increase reliability and innovation.

Playing off of the effects of the previous trends, businesses will continue to rely on the cloud to store and communicate their data. Investments, especially in the cyber-security realm, will heavily impact company budgets as hacking threats continue to grow. (We predict a few more celebrity data hacks.) Software vendors will take advantage of data security best practices and implement third party audits to prove that their facilities are protected.

 
3.) The Human Brand

The advent of digital shopping allows consumers to access infinite retailers, instead of the previous few in driving distance. Because of the vast number of options, consumers are also learning to exercise skepticism. Why choose this retailer when the next one has free shipping? Why are their products so cheap? The list goes on.

Marketing efforts will become more upfront and honest to target our raw, humanistic sides. Brands that allow consumers to rate their products and services and read other reviews are having much more success than the brands who brush negative feedback under the carpet. With this level of honesty comes trust. Consumers are more forgiving when they can hear why someone had a bad experience with a brand.

 
4.) Digital Messaging on Every Screen

Digital communication is becoming a necessity among all industries, internally and externally. These dynamic signage deployments are rapidly increasing. They allow end users to transmit infinite messages to their viewers. By 2015, digital signage adoption is expected to grow by 66% and 56% for interactive signage.

The software behind these devices is certainly making leaps and bounds in the tech world. Social media integrations and interactive capabilities will be adopted as a regular use of digital signage over the next year.

The tech trends of 2015 are sure to bring plenty of advancements in hardware and software. Here’s the rundown:

•     Consumer facing products like mobile devices will be the main source of internet access.
•     Businesses in all industries will begin to make budget arrangements to implement more reliable networks.
•     Marketing efforts will revolve around honesty as brands realize that authenticity is an attractive quality to consumers.
•     Digital signage will continue to increase in popularity, allowing streamlined, innovative communications.

Your digital signage is finally ready to go and your content management system is stocked full of content. Unfortunately, your self-celebration is quickly silenced by the lack of audience engagement. In fact, no one seems to notice the signs at all. What gives?

If you're like the vast majority of those who implement digital signage, you're not a designer. If that's the case, you have to acknowledge the harsh reality of the situation — your slides are repelling your audience's attention. Just because your content is being fed through a screen doesn't mean everyone will automatically connect and engage. Think of how you quickly avert your gaze from mediocre-at-best advertisements on the subway, so too do the people in your workplace.

You're probably asking yourself, "What is so wrong with my design?" I'll answer the question for you. Your first mistake is you didn't actually consider a design at all. Sure, you might put the right message and images on your slide, but those assets alone do not create an engaging visual. This brings us to the second question you should ask yourself...

What is design?

Your content is made up of two essential pieces, the message and the design. Both are vital in trying to reach your audience. A typical problem users have is that their messages aren't reaching their audience. A strong design can eliminate this situation. Design is the marriage of form and function. Good content design will give your message a visual package that excites consumers enough to explore.

Almost half, a full 46.1 percent, of people say a company's design is the No. 1 criterion for discerning their credibility. If a company's content looks messy, consumers assume the same of their products and services. Good design not only organizes the mess, but can also add a noticeable finishing touch. When your desk is organized and clean, it's much easier to find your keys rather than when you have to sift through stacks of paper and the remains of yesterday's lunch. Graphic design works the same way: It helps viewers digest the information while putting in minimal effort. Okay, next question.

How does design apply to digital signage?

When you have endless flexibility for content creation like digital signage, design is the science that crafts and harnesses your message. Keep in mind that you're designing content for large screens or kiosks, not a desktop computer. Create for the environment. Don't focus on creating an award-winning design, instead keep the following principles in mind. Use a design that makes your message understandable, a design that is unobtrusive, and a design that is honest.

Visual thinking happens faster than text-based thinking; with digital signage this is a vital detail. The message should already be narrowed down to the essentials: the who, what, where, when or why. The visual elements, too, should be set up in a way that helps viewers easily understand the message. The design should not get in the way of the message; rather it should support the message in a visually appealing manner.

Digital signage is a powerful tool for communication; its ability to attract, engage and retain audience of all types is unparalleled. However, if your content is bland or confusing, the messages will go right over your viewers' heads. By creating content that is aesthetic, concise, refreshed and entertaining, your digital signage will be a hit. Spend a little extra time learning design basics, so your slides will capture the attention of your audience.