Smart graphics for intelligent street lights

A company specializing in smart streetlights sought our expertise to redesign the digital screens on their smart poles, ensuring that they provided useful real-time information without looking like advertisements. We developed clear, visually appealing signage that used friendly colors and simple shapes to communicate effectively and improve the urban environment.

The Challenge

The task was to find a way to use the digital screens on smart streetlights—known as Smart Poles—to deliver real-time information to the public. This could include updates like free parking availability or local air quality insights, but the screens had to do so in a way that did not resemble advertising or disrupt the aesthetics of public spaces.

Screen showing the current outdoor air quality

Vision

We aimed to create visually engaging and easy-to-understand interactive signage that quickly conveyed useful information. This required addressing the unique challenges of outdoor digital displays, ensuring they enhanced rather than detracted from the public space, and that the information was presented clearly without being mistaken for advertisements.

Screens by day & night

Solution

We developed a clean and attractive visual style based on friendly colors and simple shapes, resembling infographics rather than traditional ads. This design subtly draws attention and allows the information to be quickly understood at a glance.

The graphics have been successfully implemented as part of the Smart City and Smart Pole pilot in Essen, Germany, where they now enhance public spaces by providing real-time, practical information to residents and visitors.

Screen showing the current outdoor air quality