affichage

Affichage is a French noun meaning display or signage. It denotes the act of presenting information and the information presented, whether on a surface or a screen. The term encompasses both physical signs used to convey messages in public spaces and the broader act of presenting data in various media. In urban contexts, affichage often refers to posters and notices posted in streets, stations, and buildings to inform, warn, or advertise.

Affichage dynamique, or digital signage, uses electronic displays such as LED or LCD panels, video walls, interactive kiosks, and projectors. Content can be changed remotely and scheduled, enabling real-time updates for wayfinding, advertising, and information systems. Technologies include LCD, LED, OLED, e-ink, and projection systems. Applications include retail environments, transport hubs, corporate campuses, events, and public information networks.

In computing, affichage designates the output of data to a display device. This covers graphical user interfaces, dashboards, and text consoles as well as specialized numeric or alphanumeric displays, such as seven-segment displays used in instruments and appliances.

Etymology: the term derives from the verb afficher ('to display, to post'), from Old French and ultimately from Latin words. In French-speaking technical contexts, affichage is used neutrally to describe the presentation layer of information across media and devices.