UCSB Division of Student Affairs Digital Signage Network
The Division of Student Affairs continues to pilot test the Storkie’s Digital Daily Network (SDD Network), a new division-wide Digital Signage Network for the 2025-26 academic year. Displays are located in the Student Resource Building (SRB) with additional units throughout the division onboarding soon. Powered by OptiSigns, the network is branded as Storkie’s Digital Daily Network (SDD Network) during the test period, based on student feedback (and subject to change).
The goal during the test period is to onboard as many Student Affairs divisional departments as possible in order to gauge divisional usage needs. We strongly encourage all remaining SA departments and units to register during this period.
Guidelines for Digital Display Messages
The SRB digital displays are a visual communication tool designed to facilitate and enhance the dissemination of UCSB information to UCSB students and the campus community. They are intended for use by University departments that wish to publicize events, programs, services, and peer education/health messaging to all UCSB students. In an emergency, the digital displays will be dedicated to providing information updates.
Digital display messages may not conflict with the mission of UCSB or Student Affairs, and messages must comply with all UCSB and Student Affairs policies. Student Affairs reserves the right to edit all materials to fit network or presentation requirements and to refuse any displays that violate University and Student Affairs Policy, Student Responsibilities and Conduct Standards, or local, state or federal law. Student Affairs may refuse or return for revision any submissions for language, pictures, images, or references to alcohol and other drugs that are harmful, not in line with campus or divisional values, or are unlawful.
Brand Identity Requirements
Content contributors must follow UC Santa Barbara brand identity and visual guidelines. To ensure consistency and clarity across campus screens:
- Include your department lockup logo in either the bottom-right or bottom-left corner of each asset.
- Follow UCSB typography and color palette guidance; do not alter official marks.
- Ensure accessibility: high color contrast, readable type size, clear hierarchy, and captions for any video where applicable.
- Provide final export files optimized for screens (16:9, 1920×1080 required; keep file sizes efficient).
👉 Note: Registered Content Contributors who need copies of your department lockup logos can email digitalsignage@sa.ucsb.edu and we will provide them by email.
As digital signage branding resources and protocols are finalized, submissions must meet divisional branding standards; updated specifications will be shared with content contributors.
Best Practices for Effective Digital Signage
- Keep it simple: Limit text and images/graphics to the absolute essentials.
- Think billboard-style: Viewers are often walking by quickly. Short, clear headlines work better than dense content.
- Research-backed: Studies in advertising and visual communication (e.g., Journal of Advertising Research, Nielsen Norman Group) show that concise messages improve recall, comprehension, and engagement.
- One idea per slide: Focus on a single key message rather than trying to communicate multiple points at once.
- Strong visuals: Pair a short phrase with a bold, clear image for maximum impact.
- Use QR codes: Add a scannable link to official UCSB websites or registered UCSB social media accounts, so students can take a deeper dive into your content at their own pace.
- Readable at a distance: Minimum 30pt type size.
Where will my assets be displayed?
All approved assets will be displayed universally across all Storkie’s Digital Daily Network (SDD Network) screens located throughout the Division of Student Affairs.
Who can submit a file for the displays?
Submissions can be made by the Division of Student Affairs Departments only at this time. Students and student organizations are not currently eligible to submit digital display content.
How do I submit my file for the displays?
For first-time contributors, send your name, email, and department to digitalsignage@sa.ucsb.edu to request an SDD OptiSigns account. You’ll receive an email when your account is created. Use the provided link to sign in with UCSB Single Sign-On (SSO); in the future you can log in at optisigns.com. You must be a UCSB employee with a NETID. Then:
- Once logged in, select Files/Assets in the top menu.
- Choose the folder for the week you want your file to display (click Home in the top bar if you don’t see weekly folders). Folders will be labeled with the following example format: Week 1 Submit
- Select Upload Files and add your file to that weekly folder. Your file name should include your department abbreviation, the name of the event/announcement, and the date if a one-time event. (Examples: “EOP_9-23_NewStudentWelcome”, or “EOP_Ongoing_StudySpace”)
- Once you see it in that week’s folder, you’re done.
What format do I submit my files in?
File assets should be 16:9 only, submitted as .PNG, .JPG, or .MP4. Canva is strongly preferred as an editing platform. Video, animations, and still images are all acceptable. (Note: please do not create your file within the OptiSigns Canva integration, as this would allow others with access to edit your file.) Only non-editable files will be accepted.
How long will my slide/message be displayed?
Each message will display for approximately 10–15 seconds per rotation (up to 30 seconds for video content) for one week (Monday morning–Sunday evening). Rotation length depends on the number of weekly submissions.
How often are the displays updated?
Slideshows are programmed once a week and run for seven days (Monday morning–Sunday evening). To ensure your message runs when you want it to, please submit by Wednesday prior to the week you want the message to start.
Content is not guaranteed to be displayed during holidays, emergencies, special events, building closures, and off hours. Building hours will vary by location and are subject to change without notice.
Is there a limit to how many messages a department can submit?
At this time, there is no quarterly submission limit, provided there is space availability and a department does not have more than three messages broadcasting simultaneously during a given week (Monday–Sunday). Student-centered programming and peer education/health messaging will be given priority; there is no guarantee that ads or general event announcements that are not student-centered will be advertised.
Confirmations
During the test period, Content Contributors will only receive email correspondence if there are issues with submissions that are rejected or require edits.
Have additional questions?
Reach out to us at digitalsignage@sa.ucsb.edu.
The Storkie’s Digital Daily Network (SDD Network) (Student Affairs’ Digital Signage Network) is a collaboration among Student Wellbeing & Student Life and is funded by UC Equity in Mental Health and the Student Resource Building Governance Board.