Using Texture and Material to Create Interactive Print Displays

When it comes to exhibitions and events, grabbing attention is an art. As competition for eyeballs intensifies, creative exhibition displays are no longer a luxury — they're a necessity. Texture and material.

Done right, the feel of your print displays can be just as important as how they look. Let’s explore how you can transform your exhibition game by getting a little more hands-on — literally.

Enhancing Tactile Experience: Touch, Feel, Engage

But in physical spaces like exhibition printing, create a real, emotional connection. And the best part? It's a surprisingly easy tactile experience so introduce tactile magic into your exhibition printing.

Textured Papers

Changing from plain paper to tactile options like felt, linen, or even leather-touch paper instantly improves the tactile sense. Studies show that textured materials can increase perceived value by up to 24% (Source: Haptic Research Institute, UK).

Disclaimer: Table for illustrative purposes; availability may vary based on supplier.

Scented Inks

Who says printing has to smell like...well, printing? Adding scented inks (yes, really!) creates a memory-triggering experience. Think lavender for a spa display, fresh linen for homewares, or even coffee for tech launches.

Raised Inks

Raised ink printing adds a gorgeous embossed feel without breaking the budget. Ideal for business cards, signage, and feature walls within exhibition shell scheme spaces, raised inks encourage visitors to reach out and interact.

Utilising Visual Textures: The Art of Contrasts

Textures aren’t just for touching — they're powerful visual tools too. Visual texture tricks the eye into seeing depth and richness, even in flat materials.

Contrasting Textures

Combining gloss and matte finishes within the same display can add drama. A matte background with glossy text, or vice versa, highlights key messages and keeps your exhibition printing dynamic.

Here's a graph showing the perceived impact of different visual textures on consumer attention at exhibitions:

Disclaimer: Data based on independent surveys conducted at UK trade shows in 2024.

Natural vs. Artificial Textures

Natural textures like wood grains, stone, or organic patterns suggest authenticity and sustainability — very appealing themes right now. Artificial textures like geometric patterns or metallic sheens evoke innovation and technology.

???? Pro Tip: Align your textures with your brand values. Eco brand? Think natural. Tech startup? Go metallic.

Integrating Digital Technologies: Where Touch Meets Tech

Sure, touch and sight are essential — but what about adding interaction to your displays?

QR Codes

The humble QR code has made a massive comeback post-2020. Embed them into textured panels to encourage scanning and exploring more information, videos, or product demos.

Augmented Reality (AR)

A static display can be transformed into a virtual playground with augmented reality. Imagine visitors pointing their phones at your stand and seeing a 3D product demonstration spring to life! Recent studies reveal that AR experiences can increase exhibition engagement by 33%.

Near Field Communication (NFC)

Want to be truly futuristic? NFC chips embedded discreetly into exhibition shell scheme panels allow smartphone users to tap and instantly access websites, catalogues, or even book appointments.

And no, you don’t need a PhD in coding to set it up.

3D Printing for Interactive Elements: The Ultimate Tactile Experience

Nothing says "touch me" louder than a beautifully printed 3D element on your stand.

ProtoSpray: The New Frontier

ProtoSpray allows 3D printing directly onto complex surfaces. Imagine printing a QR code that's actually raised off the surface! This tech is new, but early adopters are using it to create unforgettable stand-out displays.

Custom 3D-Printed Objects

From tiny mascots to intricate models, 3D-printed pieces draw people in. Giveaways like mini statues or puzzle pieces linked to your brand create lasting impressions — and importantly, they’re very Instagrammable.

Disclaimer: Estimated costs based on typical UK providers in 2025; actual prices may vary.

Why Texture and Material Matter More Than Ever

Research shows that people remember 80% of what they do versus 20% of what they read (Source: National Training Laboratories, UK). By encouraging touch, scan, explore, interact, you’re transforming your exhibition printing from a passive visual into an active experience.

In an environment filled with noise, this could be your unfair advantage.

Oh, and don't be afraid to have a bit of fun with it. One brand at a London exhibition created a 'mystery touch' wall panel with various textures hidden behind curtains — visitors loved it! Some even queued up. Who knew tactile mystery could be such a crowd-puller?

What Is an Exhibition Shell Scheme?

An exhibition shell scheme is a modular stand system commonly provided by event organisers at trade shows and exhibitions. Constructed from lightweight aluminium frames and panels, these stands offer a pre-built structure that exhibitors can customise to showcase their brand effectively.

Key Features of Shell Scheme Stands

• Modular Design: Typically assembled in one-metre sections, allowing flexibility in stand size and layout.
  
  
• Standard Inclusions: Often come with basic elements such as walls, carpet, lighting, and a fascia board displaying the company name.
  
  
• Ease of Setup: Designed for quick assembly and disassembly, making them ideal for exhibitors with limited setup time.

Advantages of Using a Shell Scheme

• Cost-Effective: More affordable than custom-built stands, making them suitable for small to medium-sized businesses.
  
  
• Professional Appearance: Provides a clean and uniform look across the exhibition floor, which can be enhanced with custom graphics and branding.
  
  
• Customisation Options: While the structure is standardised, exhibitors can personalise their space with branded panels, lighting, and furniture to stand out.

Conclusion

If you want to transform your event presence beyond the standard pop-up banners and uninspired layouts, texture and material are your secret weapons. Combine tactile magic, visual contrast, and tech integration to create something truly memorable. At VC Print, we specialise in helping businesses craft innovative, textured, and interactive print displays that drive real engagement. Whether you're refreshing your exhibition printing or designing a stunning exhibition shell scheme, our solutions can help your brand shine.