
Animated
signs are some of the most engaging that a business can invest in. Images and text that move or change in color or lighting over time may make more of an impression than static images.
There are several different kinds of moving signs to consider. Perhaps the most venerable are those that employ mechanical movement. A hand waving, "Howdy," an arrow moving to and fro to point out an important word or graphic, a model train or airplane with wheels or propellers shown in motion -- all are powered by a set of gears and levers and electrical motors working behind the scenes. But not always. Some of the most effective moving signs -- and the most maintenance-free -- are those powered by wind.
Another type of moving sign relies entirely on electricity, with a screen controlled by electronics showing a series of images that create the illusion of movement -- a movie, essentially. This screen may be a grid of light bulbs or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) which can show both text and graphics in motion. With the latest
LED technology, such displays are not limited to a single color of light, as were older, zipper-style signs. Now, a sign can show two, three or even four colors at once, making the display that much more realistic and eye-catching.
The latest variation on this theme is the high-resolution video screen. Thanks to high-intensity LEDs, these screens can present TV-quality video footage in a way that's visible even during daytime. Naturally, programming such screens requires extra care concerning the imagery that's to be shown. And some towns limit their usage for reasons of traffic safety.
Finally, there are signs whose images change with the viewer's own motion. These are frequently used in places like airports, where streams of people walk by.
Motion creates impact. That's clear. And there are many ways to create animated signs. It's up to you to decide whether moving signs fit well with your
sign strategy and your brand, if they can create the message you want to send.
Contact us and one of our competent sign management program specialists can help you make that decision.
Photo credit:
Steven Damron