How can the signage industry prepare for the post-lockdown surge in signage requirements?

Since the coronavirus lockdown, high streets have resembled ghost towns, transport hubs have been decimated, and business centres have operated on a skeleton basis.The reduced footfall on the streets and in train stations, airports and such has resulted in a huge reduction in retail and street-level signage. However, as the nation prepares to embark upon a gradual easing of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in the coming weeks, now is the perfect time to consider the likely implications on the signage industry and how the industry will need to adapt to meet the needs of COVID-secure environments.

Health and safety signage in-store and out-store

From 15th June, all non-essential retail stores will be legally permitted to reopen their doors to the general public – providing they can ensure COVID-secure retail floors. Maintaining a safe social distance and limiting the number of consumers in-store at one time will be integral to the steady and comfortable flow of shoppers in the weeks ahead.As more retailers seek to find their ‘new normal', the signage industry will be critical in providing certainty and reassurance for shoppers via safety signage. Whether it’s floor stickers, laminated vinyl, or foamex signs, stores will need to offer a sense of clarity and reassurance to members of the public that are tentative about returning to the high street.Although many of us are still learning and adapting to what the future will look like post-pandemic, there are some trends that the signage industry can continue to hang its hat on in a post-COVID-19 world.

The need for multi-platform communications

When it comes to communicating consistent messages in terms of health and safety, businesses and buildings will need to maintain a multi-platform approach. With individuals using more devices than ever to consume information on smartphones and tablets, as well as computers and automated signage, maintaining consistency with messaging across formats and hardware will be equally important in the months ahead.

Audience analytics

Making sense of audience data will be essential for businesses going forward. How the data is used may differ from before the pandemic, but big data will be vital to keep the public well-informed, particularly in large-scale environments. Big data will be vital for large-scale signage, helping to educate people on suitable social distancing, which will be essential for the well-oiled running of airports, train stations and large-scale business headquarters alike.

AV as a Service (AVaaS)

Companies of all shapes and sizes will be weighing up the workplace of the future. AVaaS will play an increasingly influential role in redesigning and reaffirming internal and client-facing operations for businesses. AV professionals that can solve problems such as outdated or mixed messaging across in-house and external systems will be worth their weight in gold.