Having worked in the AV industry for nearly 16 years, I’ve seen my fair share of systems. My career began with installing projectors and sound systems in small churches, evolving over time to include large-scale corporate installations. This journey has ignited a passion in me for helping people embrace AV systems, rather than fear them. However, regardless of the size of the business or the sophistication of the system, one observation has remained consistent: the user interface (UI) often seems like an afterthought, with functionality consistently overshadowing design, leading to a ubiquity in UI appearance.

More often than not, the same programmers responsible for the system’s backend also craft the UI. Given that AV systems frequently encompass not just display control, video switching, and audio control but also the management of lighting, blinds, and even environmental controls, it’s no surprise that time for UI design is scarce. This results in interfaces that are either cluttered with menus and buttons or overly sparse, hiding functions beneath layers of menus. This cluttered design could significantly contribute to users’ anxiety about operating complex systems, especially in large presentation spaces where they are likely used during high-pressure presentations. Moreover, a UI where elements are hard to find becomes frustrating to use, as users need to navigate through menus to find the correct action they wish to perform.

Moreover, the rise of platforms like Zoom and MS Teams has simplified small meeting spaces by extending PC applications to the UI, creating a divide in spaces that require more complex AV control systems. These uninspired UI designs can be a jarring contrast to the sleekness of web conferencing systems. Implementing web conferencing providers’ UI principles could bridge this divide, introducing familiar visual cues and actions. Additionally, systems that encompass the company’s brand identity can also instill a sense of familiarity. Many companies already maintain external and internal apps for customers and staff, featuring a distinct look and feel. By extending these branding elements into the AV control systems, we can significantly reduce the anxiety associated with using technology that users might find confusing and intimidating. This alignment not only makes the technology more approachable but also reinforces the company’s identity at every touchpoint, creating a cohesive and reassuring user experience.

I see this not as a flaw, but as a missed opportunity in the AV control space. There’s a compelling case for marrying UI design with brand identity. Considering that both employees and potentially external stakeholders interact with these systems regularly, why do we not utilize our customers’ brand guidelines to create interfaces that are not only familiar but intuitive? Just imagine a system where one or both of these design principles are implemented. This could significantly reduce the friction in AV system use, diminishing the need for extensive user training or the raising of tickets due to “user error”. Achieving this may involve further consultation with the company’s technology teams, or even direct engagement with their brand team or internal application development teams. By taking these steps, we can transform AV systems from merely functional tools into integral parts of a company’s identity and daily operations, ultimately enhancing the workplace experience for everyone involved.

Just like the TARDIS – AV: Bigger on the inside. Catch you in the next dimension!

Ellery Hulme

(they/he)

Elevating AV Systems: Bridging Technology and Brand Identity