Campus Displays

(1) Make it big. With a display, size matters. Make it large so people walking by can catch it at a glance. Flyers on a folding table doesn't cut it. The taller the display, the more attention it will get. Signs hanging from the ceiling or helium balloons can help make your display more attention-getting. Whatever the size of display you are currently considering--think bigger.

(2) Make sure it doesn't block traffic. A display should be a traffic stopper, not a hall blocker. Keep it out of the flow of walkers in your corridors and hallways. A display is like a highway billboard--people will stare at it in passing, even those who have no real interest. Its very presence is part of your promotional effort.

(3) Make it colorful. Color and contrast grab attention. Use graphic elements to make it exciting. Employ streamers, banners, balloons, confetti, large signs, colorful objects--anything that can add pizzazz to your creation. Remember that your color choice also plays into people's perception. Blues convey peace, serenity. Reds and yellows convey excitement, action. What are your color choices saying about your display?

(4) Avoid the "huh?" It should be absolutely clear what your display is promoting. Use large lettering, a theme, graphics, props or other display tools to convey a simple, concise message. Don't make people figure out what to do--spell it out for them and give them an opportunity to respond.

(5) Invest in professional tools if you can. If funds are available, consider buying a trade show display or other professional display tools. Trade show displays--especially the "pop up" kind--are made to assemble and tear-down in a few minutes. They are versatile and mobile. They are also expensive--but they're worth it.

(6) ...But a homemade look is fine. Slick, professional packaging is great--but homemade also works very well. Cutout photos, hand lettering and objects brought from home can make a powerful and personal display that grabs attention. When budget is a concern, go for a homemade look--if you can't spend money, spend your time to make your display sparkle.

(7) Keep it up. Move your display. Update it. Don't let a display stagnate for weeks. Add, rearrange or replace it. If the same people see the same thing for weeks on end, they'll simply tune it out. Repetition sometimes gets old--when was the last time you remembered seeing a Coca-Cola sign? Force them to pay attention with something new--again, and again, and again.