The impact of technology on the signage industry

New technologies and software developments have had considerable impact on the way in which people do business today, and designers in the signage industry are embracing the changes.

In the past, design concepts were initially conceived, created and developed on paper. A designer would present a hand-drawn image to a client and talk through the look and feel of a product to let the client know what to expect.

Today, with new technologies and software that allows for digital prototyping and model -driven design, a designer is able to create and showcase ideas in 3D visualisation format and through simulation technologies on a computer. This way, a client is able to get a clear picture of what the end product will look like and how the product will fit into his or her business environment.

These technological advances have impacted on the signage environment in many ways.

- Businesses have become more productive and efficient.
- Designers have become more experimental: they are able to work with bold colours, patterns and textures, on-screen, before a product is manufactured.
- Companies are able to work with smaller teams – sometimes only relying on the skills of an artistic designer and a site developer.
- Manufacturing has become more affordable – enabling the emergence of smaller workshops and factories.
- The industry has become more competitive – the more people enter the sector, the better effect this has for the country’s economy.
- Designers have become more resourceful – some professionals are even involved in developing the software and products that make their work more innovative and less labour-intensive.
- The pace of technological advancement in the visual signage industry has enabled the production of more versatile products.

This creative and dynamic environment means that you, the consumer, can expect to receive premium products at economically viable rates.