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In digital signage, one size rarely fits all. Sometimes, a single image or video isn’t enough to convey the dynamic range of information your audience needs. You might want to show a promotional video while simultaneously displaying the weather forecast, a news ticker, and your company logo.
This is where Digital Signage Zoning comes into play.
By dividing your screen into distinct areas, you can transform a static display into a multi-functional communication hub. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the benefits of zoning and how to easily set it up using Kitcast.
Why Use Digital Signage Zoning?
Before we dive into the “how-to,” it’s essential to understand the “why.” Zoning is a strategic tool that can significantly enhance viewer engagement.
1. Communicate More with Less Space
The most obvious benefit is efficiency. Zoning allows you to display multiple streams of information at once without forcing viewers to wait for the next slide.
For example, a corporate lobby screen can show a welcome message in the main zone, while a sidebar displays meeting room schedules and a bottom ticker shows company news.
2. Increase Engagement and Dwell Time
Viewers are more likely to look at a screen that offers variety. If the main video doesn’t catch their eye, the live weather widget or the social media feed in a smaller zone might. This multi-faceted approach creates a “sticky” visual experience that holds attention longer.
3. Better Content Organization
Zoning helps you organize information hierarchically. You can dedicate the largest zone to your “Hero” content (like high-quality ads or brand videos) while using smaller zones for utility content (date, time, news). This separation ensures your primary message remains the focal point while still providing value through secondary information.
Looking for ideas on what to display? Check out our guide on Digital Signage Content Types to fill your new zones.
How to Set Up Zoning in Kitcast
Kitcast makes dividing your screen intuitive and code-free. By default, Kitcast uses a “No Zoning” layout (where one widget fills the whole screen), but you can change this in seconds.
Here is the step-by-step process based on the Kitcast Support Center:
To find and manage the zones of your screen:
- Navigate to the Playlist you want to edit.
- Switch from the Widgets tab to the Zones tab.
- Explore the available layouts for Zoning and screen Transitions.
Types of Zoning
In the Zoning section, you’ll see several layout options:
- No Zoning (Default)
- All content you add fills the entire screen sequentially, with one widget appearing at a time.
- Two Zones
- The screen is split into two sections, allowing two widgets to play simultaneously.
- Three Zones
- Kitcast offers four variations of three-zone layouts:
- Three Zones A
- Three Zones B
- Three Zones C
- Three Zones D
- Kitcast offers four variations of three-zone layouts:
Each layout differs in the size or position of the zones, providing flexibility to suit your content needs.
Transition Effects
In the same section, you can choose how content transitions appear on the screen. The options include:
- Push to Left (Default)
- Push Back
- Flip Left
- Flip Back
We recommend experimenting with these effects to find the one that best suits your display’s style and the message you’re conveying.
Real-World Example: The Christmas Market Display
To visualize this, imagine you are setting up a display for a holiday event using the Three Zones A layout:
- Main Zone: Plays a 4K video loop of the festive market atmosphere.
- Top Right Zone: Displays a “Tasty Widget” showcasing a recipe for signature hot chocolate.
- Bottom Right Zone: Shows an Image Widget with a schedule of the day’s live music performances.
All three play simultaneously, creating a rich, informative atmosphere.
Here’s an example of how the “Three Zones A” layout might appear on screen when configured:
Best Practices for Zoned Content in Digital Signage
While zoning is powerful, it requires a balanced design eye.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Avoid using too many text-heavy widgets at once. If every zone is scrolling text, your viewer won’t know where to look.
- Visual Hierarchy: Ensure your most important message takes up the largest screen area (usually 60-70% of the screen).
- High-Quality Assets: Because zones are smaller than the full screen, low-resolution images can look pixelated. Always use high-quality assets.
- Complementary Content: Ensure the content in different zones relates to one another. For more on creating a cohesive look, read our article on Creating Effective Content from Scratch.
Ready to Divide and Conquer?
Zoning is a fantastic feature to elevate your digital signage from a simple slideshow to a professional information dashboard. Whether you are running a corporate office, a retail store, or a restaurant, dividing your screen can multiply your messaging power.
For more advanced tips on managing your screens, visit kitcast.tv or explore our Best Practices for Small Businesses.
FAQ: Digital Signage Zoning
Q: Can I play multiple videos at the same time in different zones?
A: Yes, Kitcast allows you to assign video widgets to different zones. However, for the best viewer experience, we recommend keeping audio limited to one zone or muted, so the sound doesn’t clash.
Q: Does zoning work on all screen sizes?
A: Zoning works on all screens, but it is most effective on larger displays (40 inches and up) where the split sections remain large enough to be readable from a distance.
Q: Can I schedule different zones to change at different times?
A: Currently, the zoning layout applies to the playlist. However, you can sequence different widgets within a zone to play one after another while the other zones remain static or loop their own content.
Q: Is it difficult to switch back to full screen?
A: Not at all. You can switch back to the “No Zoning” layout at any time in the Playlist settings, and your content will revert to displaying sequentially in full screen.