Things to consider when designing your ID Cards

What do your ID Cards need to do?

What is going to be the main function of the ID Card? Is it a detailed identification of the individual which needs to contain a name, photograph and other relevant information? (For example, a DBS Number) Your ID Cards may show the information necessary to access a certain area on-site or give the necessary authorisation to carry out a particular task.

Contrastingly, your ID Cards could also be a simple form of quick identification for people at an event you're hosting, or a temporary form of site access (For example, a Visitor Badge)

Does your ID Card design represent your organisations brand guidelines?

Make sure your design uses the correct use of your organisations current logo, font and colours in order to stay true to your brand. This will be essential for a successful, brand-conscious design.

You can also use the design opportunity to convey corporate messages for Visitors. You'll find temporary ID badges will often go missing and that people will often hold on to their badge long after visiting. So use that opportunity to keep your brand fresh in their mind.

Will your Staff ID cards require different themes based on department?

Would the use of colour on the badge help with identifying certain groups of people? Does it need to be eye catching so it’s easily identifiable from a distance? This is particularly useful for organisations with large venues and departments where there may be several events taking place at the same time.

Portrait or Landscape ID Cards?

Spare a thought about what information will be going onto your ID Cards and how it will sit best on your design. Landscape works well for a more detailed personal card and Portrait is a great choice for event passes. Be sure to have a play and see what works best for you!

Single or double-sided ID Cards?

If you have a lot of information to place on your ID Card design then consider using both sides to avoid the design being too cluttered. Some organisations use the reverse of a badge to include emergency evacuation procedures or contact details. This feature helps keep the most important information where everyone can see it. When designing your ID Card in our online builder, simply click on the reverse button at the top of the design and click add. This will add a reverse to every card that you can design and alter going forwards.

Will Your Staff ID be used as access control? 

Movement around your organisation maybe restricted for certain employees, by adding access control (NFC) to your cards, you will be able to code the cards to where they have access through any necessary security instantly.

Does your badge content conform to current GDPR policy?

Check your organisations privacy policy regarding the sharing of names and information before you finalise your card design. Since GDPR regulations came into play in 2018, we have seen mixed interpretations of the data protection of names. We advise to check the organisations policy before deciding on first name only, surname only or first name and surname. 

Why use a PVC card?

There are several reasons that using a PVC ID card is better overall for your company than a paper alternative.

The quality and durability of a PVC card, in comparison to a paper card, ensures a much longer lifespan.

They can be used as a smart card and encoded to your organisations needs.

Possibly most important of all is that it is much harder for PVC cards to be copied or reproduced. At Your Staff ID we only use the best card printing technology that promises results that are very hard to reproduce.