analog adjective
an·a·log | \ˈa-nə-ˌlȯg \
Definition of analog
The antithesis of the digital world, not involving or relating to the use of a screen — The ability to physically move and change; modern, but rooted in nostalgia. Interactive and feels like magic.
Antonyms: digital, screens, TVs
Split Flap
split flap noun
\ ˈsplit-ˈflap \
Definition of split flap
The split flap is an analog alphanumeric display that uses movement to show changing text. The split flap came into popularity in the mid-century as a staple at airports, train stations, and other transit hubs.
Most importantly: not a screen!
You might also know it as: flip board, flap board, departures board, flippy, or flappy sign.
flap noun
\ ˈflap \
Flaps are the core component of our Split Flap displays. Each alphanumeric character is split across two flaps (get it?). Our flaps are thick polypropylene. The black material is screen-printed with white lettering for our classic Oat Foundry flaps.
Check out Station Craft’s two displays which use our classic font.
carousel noun
\ ˌkerəˈsel \
Our production team inserts each of the 50 flaps, in order, into the carousel wheels. Once in the Split Flap, the carousel is rotating through the flap sets to land on the letter, number, symbol, or color to display.
Check out KitKat’s display with custom red carousels.
module noun
\ ˈmäjo͞ol \
A module is the sheet metal container for the carousel with 50 flaps, a motor, and a few other electrical components. Each module is 6 inches tall and 3 inches wide.
Check out Erosion Wine’s display with custom metallic modules.
rows and columns noun
\ rōz and ˈkäləmz \
Since our Split Flaps are made-to-order and customizable, we use the count of rows and the count of columns as a quick reference to indicate the overall size of a sign. This measurement is the number of modules down and the number of columns across. Multiply it together and you’ll also get the total number of modules in a sign. Rows and columns are frequently abbreviated to “R” and “C.” Some of our favorite sizes worldwide are: 3Rx24C, 4Rx32C, and 6Rx24C.
animation noun
\ ˌanəˈmāSH(ə)n \
An animation is the intentional rotation effect used to move your flaps – across the sign – from one message to the next. Our software team has designed and developed over 20 beautiful animations. Some of our personal favorites are: Spiral, Left-to-Right, Snake Down, and Matrix. Custom colors really stand out in animations!
Check out our queue of animations here.
portal noun
\ ˈpɔːr.t̬əl \
Our Portal Content Management System (Portal for short) is a browser-based operating software that allows you to control your Split Flap. Our Portal allows you to build new content, edit saved messages, and design a schedule. Any custom software would be accessible and controlled via the Portal as well. We have a variety of Split Flap owners connected to transit data, calendars, quote generators, and more to auto-populate their sign with messaging.
algorithm noun
\ ˈæl.ɡə.rɪ.ðəm \
Algorithm is an interactive retro-inspired button & fader system that allows guests to trigger curated messaging on your Split Flap. This add on and “analog kiosk” makes it possible to invite prospective customers, employees, and guests to join in on the engagement on your split flap display. Algorithm currently comes in a 4, 6 or 8 button format, and can be customized to fit the needs of your brand.
Learn more about how Algorithm works with Split Flap for an interactive experience, with programming options that can display upcoming events and activities, fun facts, or generate shopping and restaurant recommendations.
Picture Flap
picture flap noun
\ ˈpik-chər-‘flap \
Definition of picture flap
Picture Flap is an analog electromechanical display that uses movement to show kinetic art.
Most importantly: not a screen!
You might also know it as: image flip board, picture flap board, flippy, or flappy sign.
artboard noun
\ ärt-bôrd \
The Picture Flap process starts by curating 20 art files that will be digitally printed for your sign. Each art file can be one image spread across the whole sign or a collage of images mixed and matched together (more on this below when we discuss Collages!). The artwork capabilities are extensive! Some of our favorites include high-resolution photography, graphic vector art, and branding.
flap noun
\ ˈflap \
Flaps are the physical print of your art. Our flaps are created from a rigid plastic material. Each flap set is digitally printed, and then die-cut to size for the individual flaps. Flaps are double-sided, so the front side has the bottom half of one art file and the top half of a second art file on the back. Each flap is 100% unique!
module noun
\ ˈmäjo͞ol \
A module is the sheet metal housing for the 20 flaps, motor, and a few other electrical components. Each Picture Flap module is 12 inches tall and 12 inches wide.
Arrange your Picture Flap modules in any orientation. You can have one long row of modules, a tall column of modules, or any combination of rows and columns. Don’t feel limited to a rectangle either!
See how The Best Friends Pet Resource Center, a reimagined shelter that provides services to both pets and people, used our Picture Flap to create a welcoming environment for adopters.
bezel noun
\ ˈbē-zəl \
Since your flaps are rotating around a carousel, there is a small amount of bezel for each module. The bezel is the very small portion of your image cropped by the edges of the module – like a frame.
collage noun
\ kə-ˈläzh \
Now that your 20 art files are divided into modules, you can get creative with collages. On your Portal, you can display your 20 art files one image at a time, or you can display pieces of different images to create a collage. Show half of two different photos for a comparison effect or have each module show a different art file. The possibilities are endless!
See how Francis Cauffman Architects (FCA) here in Philly use their Picture Flap to deliver the values and vision of their brand.
animation noun
\ ˌanəˈmāSH(ə)n \
When your flaps physically rotate from one artboard to the next, the overall effect of modules spinning is an animation. Animations bring your artwork to life to create the beautiful mural in motion that is Picture Flap. A few examples include Left to Right, Dissolve, and Box Out.
A few examples include Left to Right, Dissolve, and Box Out. Preview the animation in action here on our YouTube page!
