The quality of the LED specified in a brand’s signage design will influence how confident the consumer feels about the brand’s own commitment to quality.
Today’s signage illumination systems are primarily designed using LED components. The products are readily available, the cost to build signs with LED modules has dropped significantly, and in general, the quality of the technology has vastly improved. Traditional light sources like fluorescent or neon have limited design options when it comes to the physical shape and style of a sign. In other words, the form is severely restricted by the function of the lighting material used in the manufacturing process. LED-illuminated signs now have slimmer profiles and can be fabricated into creative shapes and sculptures, finally allowing form to evolve around function in signage design. New red, green, blue, and white (RGBW) lighting technology allows for dynamic colour changing and vibrant brand expression, integrating those notable concepts which make the consumer’s brain pay attention.
It was initially thought the introduction of LED technology would simplify the sign builder’s job. While it might be true LED has taken over as the industry standard for signage illumination, some might also argue this technology has made the sign designer’s life a little more complicated. What is the best CCT to use behind specific colours of translucent films? How do density guidelines differ from one LED product to another, and what criteria decides the standard? How influential is lens design, and how does it affect light dispersion and total material utilization? How does the engineering and microtechnology in a module determine the life span or consistent light output of an LED product? There are so many questions, and so many different answers, depending on who you ask.
Ultimately, the quality of the LED specified in a brand’s signage design will influence how confident the consumer feels about the brand’s own commitment to quality. This alone proves why it is so significant to choose carefully when selecting an LED provider and signage manufacturer. It is not wise to base the decision solely on cost.
Conclusion
Intentional illumination is best defined as the understanding and application of focused design criteria, the consideration of the human experience, and the realization a suitably designed lighting system can contribute to a brand’s value and bottom line. Lastly, and most importantly, working with qualified signage and lighting professionals will help guarantee the best finished product possible.
With special contribution from Warren Turner, general manager of North America lighting systems for SloanLED.
Based in Montreal, Susan Svotelis is SloanLED’s national sales manager for Canada. She has been a passionate sign industry professional for more than 35 years.
