Abstract: Embodiments of the present application relate generally to methods and apparatus for relating information in a form either machine-readable, human-readable, or some combination thereof. More particularly, although not exclusively, these embodiments are concerned with the display of information on a smart active label or smart packaging where low power and low cost are significant considerations. In some embodiments, display methods are based on electronic, electromechanical, electrochemical, and combinations thereof configured or manufactured using printing techniques, micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) techniques, or combinations thereof to achieve high reliability, low cost, and low activation energies. The embodiments described above can provide an accurate and low-cost apparatus and method for relating the information obtained by smart active labels and smart packages.