The ID Card design guide

Whether you are printing your own ID cards or have decided to outsource production, it is always best to start the production process by planning the optimum design of your cards. Consider what design would best reflect what message you want your business to send.

List the proposed purposes of the card:

• Will it be used simply for internal staff recognition, or publicly for customer care and profile enhancing?
• Will the card give entry to restricted areas?
• Will it have a purchasing or staff function?

These decisions will clarify the precise content that the ID cards will require, such as name (first name only, full names, title etc.) date of birth, role, organisation, bar code, photograph or hologram.

Additionally, you will also know whether you will need the cards to be single or double sided, to accommodate the required information in a clearly readable format. You will need to choose which will be the ‘default’ side (side most often on display).

Next, consider who will use the plastic cards, and in what environment and circumstances.

• Will the card-users be operating indoors or outside, in daylight, artificial light, or darkness?
• Will they be engaged in physical activity, or in any hazardous situations, or using tools or machinery?

These considerations will indicate the most appropriate size, thickness, material, weight, and holding-system for the plastic cards. For example, if the cards were used as a means of identifying staff that are working on a construction site, this may dictate how durable you want the cards to be.

Lastly, decide on colour schemes and shape. These can display the organisation’s branding, or reflect colour coded sections within the workforce or site, or be even chosen specifically to appeal to the public.

At ID Management Systems, we offer a card bureau service if you are aiming to produce one off low volume batches, or wish to benefit from the convenience the service offers on a long term basis.

Alternatively, should you need to need to produce ID cards on a regular basis and wish to have total control of the printing process, please check out our ID printer range.