At this time of the summer, universities have lots of things going on. This year, especially, campuses across the nation are planning for the EMV deadline in October, amidst the normal preparation for the fall semester. Many universities are offering revamped student IDs for the incoming class. If you haven’t updated your campus ID cards recently, here are some factors to consider:
Function
One of the top reasons why universities change their IDs is to improve functionality. The switch to smart cards can add a variety of features, enhance flexibility and make everyday tasks more convenient for students. Changing ID technology is quite the undertaking, but offers a high return on investment in the long-run.
Design
If your ID cards already provide the features and functionality that you need, consider a simple design enhancement. Slightly changing the graphics or layout of your ID cards is a lower cost option that can make a big difference. For example, this article on Purdue University talks about how they made these simple changes to the design of their IDs:
- Featured new background image of fall foliage
- Moved photo ID block to lower left corner
- Providing students option to have their preferred name, rather than legal name, printed on card
User Involvement
Making improvements to your student ID cards can certainly enhance function and/or visual appeal. However, it also provides a great opportunity to gather user feedback and get the student community involved in the design process. Look at this example of a university which hosted a campus-wide contest to find a new background image for their cards.
Keeps these ideas in mind when you’re considering giving your campus cards a makeover. In the meantime, remember that custom lanyards and badge reels are another affordable way to maintain a vibrant campus brand and add convenience for students.
Has your campus recently updated its student IDs? We would love to hear about your improvements in the comments below.
Photo Credit: HID Global, Purdue University