Metropolitan University, a prestigious urban institution with over 35,000 students across multiple campuses, implemented a comprehensive digital signage network to address communication challenges, enhance campus navigation, and create a more connected university community. This case study examines how Metropolitan transformed its fragmented communication approach into a cohesive, dynamic ecosystem that significantly improved information delivery, student engagement, and overall campus experience.
68%
Increase in student awareness of campus events
45%
Reduction in wayfinding-related queries
$2.7M
Annual savings in printing and communication costs
Founded in 1892, Metropolitan University has grown to become one of the nation's leading research institutions, known for its academic excellence, diverse student body, and urban integration. The university spans five campuses across the metropolitan area, with the main campus covering 180 acres in the heart of the city.
Metropolitan University offers more than 250 degree programs across 16 colleges and schools, serving a diverse population of 35,000 students from all 50 states and 128 countries. The university employs over 4,500 faculty and staff members and hosts approximately 1,200 events annually, from academic lectures and research symposiums to cultural celebrations and athletic competitions.
Prior to implementing a digital signage solution, Metropolitan University faced significant challenges in effectively communicating with its large, diverse, and geographically dispersed community. The university's traditional communication methods were failing to reach students effectively, resulting in low event attendance, missed important announcements, and a general sense of disconnection from campus life.
Internal surveys revealed that only 37% of students felt well-informed about campus events and opportunities, while 42% reported missing important deadlines or announcements at least once per semester. The university's communication challenges were particularly acute for commuter students, who comprised approximately 60% of the student population and spent limited time on campus.
Metropolitan University relied on a patchwork of communication methods including email, the university website, social media, printed posters, and bulletin boards. This fragmented approach resulted in information silos, with different departments using different channels to reach students. Email open rates averaged just 28% among students, and the university website received limited traffic beyond academic and administrative functions. The university was sending over 2.5 million emails per month, yet critical information was still not reaching students effectively. Physical bulletin boards were cluttered and poorly maintained, with outdated information often remaining posted for months. The lack of a unified, attention-grabbing communication channel meant that important announcements about registration deadlines, financial aid, campus events, and safety information frequently went unnoticed.
With five campuses spread across the metropolitan area, wayfinding was a significant challenge for students, faculty, visitors, and especially new students. The university's static maps and directional signage were frequently outdated due to ongoing construction and renovation projects. Information desk staff reported spending up to 30% of their time providing directions, and surveys indicated that 58% of first-year students found navigating the campuses "difficult" or "very difficult." The university's historic buildings, complex layout, and inconsistent room numbering systems further complicated navigation. Visitors to the university, including prospective students and their families, often reported negative first impressions due to navigation difficulties, potentially impacting recruitment efforts.
The geographic dispersion of Metropolitan University's five campuses created natural silos that hindered the development of a unified university culture. Students on satellite campuses often felt disconnected from the main campus activities and community. Event attendance was declining, with only 23% of students reporting regular participation in campus events. The university's diverse student population, including a large percentage of commuter and international students, further complicated efforts to build a cohesive community. Student organizations struggled to promote their events and activities, with many reporting that they reached only a small fraction of potential participants. The lack of a shared information ecosystem was undermining Metropolitan's efforts to create an engaging, inclusive campus experience for all students.
These communication challenges were having measurable negative impacts on Metropolitan University's operations and student experience. The university was spending approximately $3.1 million annually on printed materials, email campaigns, and website development, yet seeing declining engagement with these communication channels. Student satisfaction scores related to "feeling informed about campus events and opportunities" had fallen 15 percentage points over three years. Low attendance at campus events resulted in wasted resources and missed opportunities for community building. Most concerning to university leadership was the potential impact on student success and retention, as students who felt disconnected from campus life were statistically more likely to transfer or drop out before graduation.
After a comprehensive evaluation process, Metropolitan University partnered with a leading digital signage provider to implement a university-wide digital communication network. The solution was designed to address the specific challenges identified while creating a scalable platform that could evolve with the university's needs.
The implementation included a centralized content management system that allowed for university-wide messaging while enabling individual colleges, departments, and student organizations to contribute relevant content. This approach ensured consistent branding and messaging while allowing for customized information to be displayed in different locations across all five campuses.
Metropolitan University installed 325 digital displays strategically positioned across all five campuses. Large video walls were placed in high-traffic areas such as the student union, library entrances, and main administrative buildings. Smaller displays were positioned in building entrances, hallways, dining areas, and outside lecture halls and event spaces. Interactive kiosks with wayfinding capabilities were installed at campus entrances, transportation hubs, and key junction points. The displays varied in size from 43" to 86" depending on location and purpose, with all screens supporting 4K resolution to ensure professional content display. Each display was connected to the central content management system via the university network, allowing for real-time updates and content scheduling.
The heart of Metropolitan University's digital signage solution was a sophisticated cloud-based content management system that allowed the university communications team to create, schedule, and deploy content across the entire network from a central location. The system featured role-based access controls, allowing the central team to maintain oversight while giving different colleges, departments, and authorized student organizations permission to create and publish content relevant to their areas. The platform supported dynamic content integration, pulling real-time data from various university systems including the academic calendar, event management system, room booking system, emergency notification system, and transportation services. Advanced scheduling capabilities enabled dayparting (showing different content at different times of day) and targeting content to specific screens or groups of screens based on location or audience.
A key component of the implementation was the interactive wayfinding system deployed on touchscreen kiosks throughout all campuses. This system featured detailed 3D maps of each campus with turn-by-turn directions that could be transferred to a mobile device via QR code or email. The wayfinding system integrated with the university's room booking system to show real-time availability of study spaces and meeting rooms, and allowed users to search for people, departments, or campus amenities. The system was designed to be fully accessible, with multiple language options (including English, Spanish, Mandarin, and Arabic) and features for users with disabilities. The maps automatically updated when spaces were reconfigured or departments relocated, ensuring that navigation information was always current and accurate.
The digital signage network was fully integrated with Metropolitan University's emergency notification system, allowing for immediate display of alerts and instructions across all screens in the event of an emergency. The system supported multiple alert levels, from weather advisories to critical safety situations, with distinct visual treatments for each level to ensure appropriate attention. Emergency messages could override regular content instantly, ensuring that critical information reached the university community without delay. The system included backup power and redundant communication channels to ensure operation even during power outages or network disruptions.
The project began with a comprehensive assessment of Metropolitan University's communication needs and campus layouts. This phase included stakeholder interviews, student and faculty surveys, and traffic flow analysis to determine optimal screen placement and content strategy. A cross-functional steering committee was formed with representatives from University Communications, IT, Facilities, Student Affairs, and academic leadership to oversee the implementation and ensure alignment with university objectives.
Timeline: 3 months
Metropolitan University deployed the initial digital signage system on the main campus as a pilot program. This phase included installation of 50 screens, setup of the content management system, and training for the core team and departmental content contributors. The pilot allowed the team to test different content strategies, gather user feedback, and refine the approach before full-scale deployment. Special attention was paid to measuring engagement and collecting user feedback to inform the broader rollout.
Timeline: 4 months
Following the successful pilot, Metropolitan University expanded the digital signage network to all remaining campuses. This phase included hardware installation, network configuration, content creation, and training for departmental content contributors. The deployment was executed in a phased approach, campus by campus, to minimize disruption and allow for continuous improvement based on lessons learned from each installation. The university also launched a comprehensive communication campaign to educate the campus community about the new digital signage network and how to submit content for display.
Timeline: 8 months
The implementation of digital signage across Metropolitan University's five campuses delivered significant measurable results within the first year of full deployment. The university conducted comprehensive before-and-after analysis, including student and faculty surveys, usage metrics, and financial performance indicators to quantify the impact of the initiative.
68%
Increase in student awareness of campus events
45%
Reduction in wayfinding-related queries
52%
Increase in campus event attendance
The digital signage network revolutionized how information flowed throughout Metropolitan University's five campuses. Student awareness of campus events, deadlines, and opportunities increased dramatically, with 82% of students reporting they regularly consumed information from the digital displays. The communications team found that announcements made via digital signage had 3.7 times higher recall than the same information delivered via email. The ability to display dynamic, visually engaging content captured attention in ways that traditional communication channels could not. The system's real-time updating capability ensured that information was always current and relevant, eliminating the problem of outdated notices that had plagued the previous bulletin board system. Particularly effective was the ability to target content to specific locations and audiences, ensuring that students received information most relevant to their interests and needs.
The interactive wayfinding system dramatically improved the navigation experience for students, faculty, and visitors alike. Information desk staff reported a 45% reduction in directional queries, freeing them to focus on more substantive assistance. First-year students who rated campus navigation as "difficult" or "very difficult" decreased from 58% to 21%. The system proved particularly valuable during orientation periods and the start of each semester, with 91% of new students reporting that they used the digital wayfinding kiosks at least once during their first week on campus. Visitor satisfaction scores related to campus navigation increased from 42% to 87% positive. The ability to update maps in real-time as spaces changed ensured that navigation information remained accurate despite the dynamic nature of the university environment. The multilingual capabilities of the system were especially appreciated by international students and visitors, with usage data showing significant engagement with non-English language options.
Perhaps the most significant impact was on Metropolitan University's sense of community. The digital signage network created a shared information ecosystem that helped break down silos between campuses and departments. Attendance at campus events increased by 52% as awareness improved, with particularly strong growth in cross-campus participation. Student organizations reported a 78% increase in engagement with their events and activities after gaining access to the digital signage network. Student satisfaction scores related to "feeling connected to campus life" increased by 23 percentage points, reversing the previous downward trend. The displays in common areas became conversation starters, with students from different disciplines discussing the content they had seen. This increased casual interaction between students who might otherwise have limited contact, fostering a more collaborative and integrated university community.
The integration of the digital signage network with Metropolitan University's emergency notification system significantly improved the university's ability to communicate critical information during emergencies. During a severe weather event that occurred six months after full deployment, the university was able to instantly display weather alerts and safety instructions on all screens across all five campuses. Post-event surveys indicated that 76% of students and faculty first learned of the weather emergency through the digital signage displays. Campus safety officials reported that the digital signage system enabled faster, more consistent communication than previous methods, contributing to a more orderly response. The system has also been used effectively for less critical notifications, such as power outages, facility closures, and transportation disruptions, ensuring that the university community receives timely updates about situations affecting campus operations.
Metropolitan University conducted a comprehensive ROI analysis of the digital signage implementation, factoring in both direct cost savings and operational impacts. The analysis revealed a strong financial case for the investment.
The digital signage network has transformed how we communicate across our five campuses. What used to be a fragmented, inconsistent experience is now a cohesive, engaging information ecosystem that connects our entire university community. Beyond the obvious benefits of improved information flow, we've seen a remarkable strengthening of our university culture. Students on our satellite campuses now feel more connected to the main campus activities, and we're seeing increased participation in events across all locations. It's not just a communication tool—it's become an integral part of how we build community at Metropolitan University.
Dr. Jennifer Martinez
Vice President for University Communications, Metropolitan University
Throughout the implementation process, Metropolitan University identified several key lessons and best practices that contributed to the success of their digital signage initiative. These insights have been documented to guide future expansions and optimizations of the system.
Metropolitan University found that establishing clear content governance policies was essential to the success of the digital signage network. The university developed a comprehensive content strategy that defined content types, approval workflows, and display priorities. The most effective approach was to establish a tiered governance model, with university-wide messaging controlled by the central communications team, college and departmental content managed by designated content coordinators, and student organization content submitted through a moderated portal. This balanced approach ensured consistent quality and messaging while allowing for diverse content sources. Screens with well-governed, regularly updated content had 64% higher engagement than those with less structured content management.
The team discovered that tailoring content to specific locations significantly increased engagement. Displays in the business school that featured more business-focused content and career opportunities saw 47% higher engagement than those showing generic university information. Similarly, screens in student housing that displayed residence life information, upcoming floor events, and maintenance notices were viewed 3.5 times more frequently than those without this location-relevant content. The ability to target content based on location while maintaining some university-wide messaging proved to be a powerful combination that kept the content relevant to the specific audience while reinforcing the broader university narrative.
Metropolitan University found that investing in comprehensive training and ongoing support was crucial to the successful adoption of the digital signage system. The university developed a multi-tiered training program, with basic content creation workshops offered monthly and advanced training available for departmental content coordinators. A dedicated support team was established to assist with technical issues, content creation, and best practices. This support infrastructure was particularly important for student organizations, who often had high turnover in their communications roles. Departments and organizations that participated in training sessions published 3.2 times more content and reported higher satisfaction with the system than those who did not receive training.
Building on the success of the initial implementation, Metropolitan University has developed a roadmap for expanding and enhancing their digital signage network over the next three years. These plans focus on leveraging new technologies and deeper integration with other systems to create an even more personalized and engaging experience.
Metropolitan University is developing a mobile companion app that will integrate with the digital signage network, allowing students to save content from displays to their phones, receive personalized notifications about content relevant to their interests, and interact with displays using their mobile devices. The university is also exploring location-based technologies that would allow the app to alert students to relevant information on nearby displays, creating a more seamless experience between physical and digital information channels. This mobile integration will be particularly valuable for commuter students, who spend limited time on campus but could benefit from improved access to campus information.
The university plans to implement advanced analytics capabilities to measure engagement with different types of content and optimize the content strategy accordingly. This will include anonymous audience measurement technology that can detect how many people view each display and for how long, providing valuable data about which content is most effective at capturing attention. This data will be used to refine content guidelines, inform scheduling decisions, and provide feedback to content creators. The university also plans to implement A/B testing of different content approaches to continuously improve engagement and effectiveness.
Metropolitan University plans to expand the interactive capabilities of the digital signage network beyond wayfinding to include a broader range of applications. Future plans include interactive donor recognition displays, student showcase kiosks that highlight academic and creative work, and interactive timeline installations that tell the university's history. The university is also exploring the use of gesture-based interaction and voice control to create more engaging and accessible experiences. These expanded interactive applications will transform the digital signage network from a primarily informational system to a more engaging platform that showcases the university's achievements and facilitates deeper engagement with content.
Metropolitan University's implementation of digital signage across its five campuses demonstrates the transformative potential of this technology in higher education. By replacing fragmented, outdated communication methods with a dynamic, engaging digital network, Metropolitan has created a more connected, informed, and collaborative university community.
The results speak for themselves: increased student awareness of campus events and opportunities, improved navigation, strengthened university culture, and significant cost savings. The system has paid for itself in just 14 months and continues to deliver strong returns on investment through both direct savings and operational improvements.
Perhaps most importantly, the digital signage network has positioned Metropolitan University for the future of campus communication, where physical and digital information channels blend seamlessly to create a cohesive student experience. As the university continues to grow and evolve, the flexible, scalable nature of the digital signage system will allow it to adapt to changing needs and technologies, ensuring that Metropolitan remains at the forefront of campus communication innovation.
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