Norway’s Dory Sign Achieves Platinum Calm Technology Certification
- Amber Case
- Nov 13
- 4 min read
In an era where every surface seems destined to become another glowing screen demanding our attention, Norwegian startup Dory Sign is building toward a future where the first sign you buy might be the last you'll ever need.
An Alternative to Printed and LCD Displays
Each year in the EU and US, tens of millions of signs are discarded. Paper signs yellow and tear. Plastic holders crack. Printed materials become outdated the moment someone's extension changes or a meeting room gets renamed.
Offices that want electronic signs face expensive iPads which must be updated and shine brightly, there are less frames to configure them to the space, and they can be larger than necessary.
A single Dory Sign replaces dozens of these throwaway solutions. With zero power draw between updates and a carbon footprint of just 4.3–6 kg CO₂ per unit (depending on frame choice).
Unlike the bright blue glow of an iPad mounted to a wall or the harsh LED backlight of a digital display, Dory’s frame feels closer to an analog sign.
Built for a 15-Year Lifespan (and Beyond)
Dory Sign excelled across multiple categories in our evaluation, especially in Attention, Durability, and Light. But Dory Sign's most impressive achievement is perhaps its longevity. The device can run for up to 15-years under normal use conditions, meaning that each Dory can replace dozens of printed signs, plastic holders, and throwaway materials for over a decade.
If Dory as a company were to cease operations tomorrow, the signs wouldn't become electronic trash. The last image displayed would remain visible until the battery expires.
Help for Dementia Patients
At Vadsø municipality in Norway, Dory Signs are being deployed in dementia care.
One challenge for residents in the dementia ward is finding their way back to their rooms. Traditional room numbers can be abstract and confusing for those experiencing cognitive decline. Eirik Andreassen, Vadsø municipality CIO, requested personal door signs featuring a clear message and an image of a younger version of themselves for stronger recognition. The new, personalized signs helped residents feel more at home, reducing confusion and increasing familiarity.
In use at Vadsø municipality, for dementia care.
Office Spaces
The same municipality is also deploying Dory in office spaces, where employees can display photos, key information, and QR codes linking to additional resources. In a co-living facility, the signs create warmer, more personalized environments. Vadsø municipality will be publishing a full report once they have deeper insights from the installation.
Designed for Spaces That Change
Startup offices, Hotels, Senior care facilities and Flexible workspaces share a fluidity of use. people come and go, rooms change purposes, and information needs to stay current without creating more work.
With a Dory sign, anyone can update every sign in a building from the app without re-printing, laminating, etching, or putting in a work request order. The information remains visible, professional, and easy to change.
Dory at Home
Dory has a wide selection of natural and unique frame options. Organizations can commission branded frames with logos, colors, and patterns through high-quality UV printing or laser engraving.
What Platinum Certification Means
The Calm Technology Institute's certification process evaluates products across 81 distinct criteria, examining everything from attention, light, sound and materials.
Attention:
The sign only updates when it needs to. Through the companion app, administrators can push new content to displays across their organization.
Peripheral Attention:
Dory’s display doesn’t demand the same distraction like that of a backlit digital display. It utilizes E Ink because it's the right tool for persistent information display at low power.
Robustness: Dory runs on a replaceable battery a 15-year lifespan. Between between updates, Dory consumes zero power.
Material:
Designed to replace dozens of disposable alternatives. Custom frames available.
Why This Matters
We often talk about digital transformation as if it's inherently good—as if replacing every physical process with a screen and an app represents progress. But truly thoughtful technology asks a different question: What kind of technology is most compatible with this space?
For organizations managing multiple locations, for care facilities supporting vulnerable populations, for flexible workspaces where information changes daily, Dory is a good fit.
Learn More
Dory Sign is available for professional and home use, starting at €149 (excluding VAT). The device requires no complex setup and integrates seamlessly into existing workflows through its free app.
About Calm Tech Institute
Calm Technology Institute is the world's first certification body for attention-aware technology, evaluating products against 81 rigorous criteria. Our mission is to help technology serve human flourishing rather than compete for human attention.
For organizations interested in understanding the Principles of Calm Technology™ more deeply, or pursuing certification for their own products, visit https://calmtech.institute
About Dory
Dory is on a mission to create a friendlier world—one door at a time. Founded by designer Thomas Ramberg, Dory transforms the humble door sign from a disposable afterthought into a beautiful, sustainable piece of technology built to last a lifetime. Using e-ink display technology and Bluetooth Low Energy, each Dory sign offers 15 years of battery life while consuming zero power between updates. Available in homes and businesses across 21 countries, Dory combines thoughtful design with environmental responsibility—from sustainable packaging to carbon removal initiatives. https://dorysign.com/
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