6 Mistakes To Avoid When Creating Event Badges
Badges are perhaps the most integral aspects of any business meeting, including conferences and trade fairs. They function to provide attendee, speaker, and staff recognition. Nevertheless, they are also the key to creating the event’s image. Unpleasant badges can cause confusion, while good ones will improve the overall experience. Now, let’s look at what mistakes we need to avoid when designing event badges.
People forget that the goal of the badge is often as simple as identification. Some badges are given in a form that is hard to understand, include too much information or are undesirable or uneasy to wear. To avoid boring you, let us quickly explain the six things that should not be done with regard to designing event badges for the event’s success.
1. Using Small Fonts
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when creating event badges is using fonts that are too small. The text on badges has to be readable so that attendees can quickly identify a name or any other information they need. If the font is too small, it becomes difficult for others to see who someone is without getting uncomfortably close. This frustrates one and reduces the chance to meet people at the event.
To avert this problem, it is prudent to use event badge templates. This has eradicated the challenge of font size, as templates are usually well-designed with proper font sizes for names. Most of them also have options to suggest the most readable font types.
The sizes for names should be at least 24 points, and other details, such as the company name, can be slightly smaller but readable. Test the badge by viewing it from a distance to see if it’s easily readable.
2. Cluttering the Design with Too Much Information
Another mistake is the overcrowding of the badge with too much information that will make it clustered. You might be tempted to add details like the attendee’s job title, the schedule of events, or sponsors’ logos. However, these features can complicate the badge design and make it difficult to discern the essentials of the badge.
If the badge is overcrowded, it may confuse the attendees and make it difficult to find what they seek. This is distracting, may make checks take longer, and may disrupt the event’s activities.
Always remember to keep the design non-cluttered. Focus on the key details: the attendee’s name, their position, if any, and maybe the company they work for. Do not cramp your data with irrelevant information.
If you add more details, such as a schedule or sponsor details, they should be provided as a separate booklet or flyer to attendees. A clean, minimalistic design makes the badge look more fulfilling and aesthetically pleasing.
3. Ignoring Badge Comfort
Comfort is usually the least of anyone’s concerns when designing event badges. When clips are poorly done or the badges are too heavy, it can be uncomfortable for the attendees to wear them all day. Some badges may hang awkwardly or flip around, making it hard for others to see the information. This not only causes inconvenience but also makes the badge unusable.
Specifically for comfort, decide on the badge’s materials, preferably lightweight. Try to avoid pins and clips in favor of lanyards; people find them less uncomfortable and more configurable. Ensure the badge size is okay so it does not feel too bulky.
Testing the badge by wearing it for several hours before the event is always important. Choose a lighter design if it feels inconvenient or carries too much weight.
4. Poor Placement of Key Information
Where you place the necessary information on the badge is critical. Many event organizers make the mistake of putting names or other vital details too low or too high on the badge. If the name is positioned at the bottom of the badge, it may be covered by clothing or challenging to read when someone sits down. Similarly, if it’s too high, the name might not be visible from a comfortable distance.
For best results, place the attendee’s name in the middle or upper-middle section of the badge. This way, the name is visible whether the attendee is sitting, standing, or walking. The name should always be the most prominent feature on the badge, while other information, like the company or event name, can be placed above or below it.
5. Choosing Low-Quality Materials
One major mistake that can affect the event is using low-quality badge material. Some designers use paper or thin plastic for the event badges, and these can easily tear or bend during the event, so guests are seen with crumbled badges the rest of the day. Poor-quality badges can also fade quickly, making the text hard to read after a few hours.
To prevent this, it is prudent to use high-quality materials that can last. Choose high-quality plastic or laminated paper that will last easily for a single day or even consecutive days as necessary. Check that the print is clean and that no ink smudging occurs during work. Although this might be slightly expensive compared to other cheaper methods, the durability and professional look of the badges you get will be worth it.
6. Forgetting to Test the Badge
The last common error that event planners should avoid is failing to test the badge before the event. To give a closer look at the graphical representation, people tend to design a good-looking badge on the screen or even on paper, but it bankrupts out in the real world. Badges that look well done on a computer monitor may be barely legible, or the color choice may not have translated well into the printed material.
Before the event, always print out a few sample badges and test them in real-world conditions. This can be done by having one person jog, another sit, and another walk in them to see their readability, comfort and durability levels.
Conclusion
Creating event badges may seem simple, but avoiding these common mistakes can make a big difference. From ensuring that the text is legible to using high-quality materials, each aspect of badge design contributes to a smoother event experience. Always test the badges beforehand and make adjustments as needed. By avoiding these six mistakes, you can help create functional and visually appealing badges, ensuring your event runs smoothly and leaves a good impression.
