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Digital Signages

5 Coolest Digital Signage applications from across the world

by Alok Dukle

Alok Dukle is Co-Founder & CEO of Intelisa with over 10 years of experience in early stage growth ventures, venture investments and Internet of Things (IoT). He has previously worked with the USD 21Bn Mahindra Group, in its Private Equity and Incubation division.

Display communication is one of the oldest forms of communication.  In fact, cave paintings which date back a whooping 40,000 years to the Stone Age (that’s right!), were the first form of display communication.

The resilience of the mighty display communication is given the fact that it is in physical space, which we can presume will be here to stay, perennially.

With the onset of digital display technologies such as LCD’s, LED’s, the IoT technology, and more, display communication has evolved greatly. What was a one-way static medium, can now be an engagement-driven two-way digital medium, which opens up a world of possibilities.

Here are some incredibly cool applications that we spotted globally powered by this intelligent technology:

1) Virtual Trials: Redefining the Shopping Experience

Virtual trials have revolutionized the way people shop for clothes, offering a unique and immersive experience through the use of gesture control and virtual reality technologies. Imagine stepping in front of a digital mirror that not only reflects your image but also transforms into a dynamic screen, allowing you to virtually try on different outfits without the need for physical garments.

One remarkable example of this cutting-edge technology can be found in a store located in Dubai. By leveraging embedded sensors and advanced software, customers can now indulge in the extraordinary feature of trying on clothes virtually. Through intuitive gestures, users can swap between various clothing options and instantly see how they look, thanks to incredibly realistic 3D renders.

Furthermore, this innovative approach to shopping enables retailers to break free from the limitations of stocking clothes in-store. Once a customer finds their perfect fit, the purchased clothes can be conveniently shipped directly to their location. This seamless integration of digital signage with omnichannel sales creates a dynamic and efficient shopping ecosystem.

2) Community Building in Cities: Strengthening Connections

Community building plays a vital role in fostering connections and enhancing the sense of belonging within cities. In bustling metropolises like New York, digital signages lining bus stops have become a powerful tool for staying in touch and building a vibrant community.

These digital displays serve multiple purposes, including communicating the latest local events and sharing vital information from the local government with commuters. Additionally, the inclusion of advertisements generates revenue while ensuring the displays remain financially sustainable.

One notable feature of these digital signages is their ability to facilitate real-time engagement campaigns and contests, such as the captivating ‘Halloween photo campaign’ held in New York. By actively involving commuters in these initiatives, these displays keep individuals engaged and create a shared experience within the community.

Similarly, in Boston, solar-powered screens utilizing e-ink technology are making a significant impact. These screens effectively address one of the critical challenges associated with display technology-ensuring a continuous power supply.

3) Real-time Engagement-Driven Hoardings: Amplifying Brand Communication

Real-time engagement driven hoardings have emerged as a powerful tool for brands to achieve greater impact and maximize their return on investment.

One remarkable example of this is a digital hoarding that captured the internet’s attention and went viral. By incorporating real-time engagement features, brands can actively involve the audience and create an immersive experience. This interactive approach sparks curiosity, encourages participation, and generates a sense of connection with the brand.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/relientkenny/status/1206654881391685640

4) Dynamic Design Experience: Enhancing Aesthetics with Digital Signages

Digital signages serve as a powerful tool for creating a dynamic design layer that enhances the overall aesthetics and architectural integration of spaces. One compelling application is the use of digital signages in lobbies, where they seamlessly blend in with the surroundings while offering a visually captivating and informative experience.

Imagine a lobby video wall featuring an array of meticulously crafted screens. Not only does this setup present a premium and aesthetically pleasing design, but it also serves as a versatile platform for showcasing key information when needed.

Whether displaying welcome messages, event schedules, or engaging multimedia content, the dynamic nature of the digital signage adds a layer of sophistication and modernity to the space.

5) Immersive 3-D Experience

3D digital billboards are a cutting-edge form of advertising that utilizes advanced technology to create captivating and immersive experiences. These billboards blend the virtual and physical worlds, capturing viewers’ attention and leaving a lasting impression.

Image Source: Instagram

One remarkable example of a 3D digital billboard is Nike’s AirMax campaign. Using augmented reality, the billboard brings the AirMax shoes to life, allowing users to virtually try them on, customize colors and patterns, and see how they look in different real-world environments. This extraordinary fusion of technology, detail, and creativity showcases Nike’s commitment to innovation in advertising.

6) Light 'em Up and Gain Eyeballs: Times Square's Exemplary Impact

When discussing applications for digital signage, it would be remiss not to mention the iconic Times Square in the heart of bustling New York City. This vibrant city square stands as a testament to the immense impact and engagement that digital signage can achieve.

Times Square is filled with a lot of digital signages adorning buildings and captivating the attention of millions of passersby. These dynamic displays, with their vibrant colors, captivating animations, and larger-than-life visuals, are the lifeline of the square. They create an electric atmosphere and contribute to the unique identity of Times Square.

If we were to replace these digital signages with static billboards, Times Square would lose its dynamic and immersive character.

Will be happy to receive additional examples, comments & ideas on your take of innovative digital signages that add to communication and engagement. Do write to us on info@intelisa.in

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Why digital screen signages are ideal for communication

Digital Screen Signages essentially convert static communication to digital display communication. Static communication is a one-time use-and-throw type of communication – think of the countless posters of fashion brands showing the latest designs, or even the pinned-up notice boards in schools or offices, or the paper food menus at restaurants, as well as the flex standees in events or hoardings on public streets.

Every avenue one sees around us uses some form of communication; think about it.

Why is that? Well, that’s an easy one – simply because communication with stakeholders – be it customers, employees, partners, and so on, will always be integral to conveying and generating awareness.

The problem, however, is with static communication, which has many disadvantages. Let’s examine a few of these disadvantages:

Disadvantages of static communication

  • Uneconomical & Non-Eco-Friendly:
    One of the major downsides of static communication is its lack of reusability. Paper and flex posters, once utilized, need to be discarded, resulting in significant waste production. For instance, in India alone, approximately 15,000 tonnes of flex material is used monthly, highlighting the non-eco-friendly nature of one-time-use communication.

    Digital signage, on the other hand, allow for reusable communication that reduces waste and promotes sustainability. For example, a digital screen at a retail store can display different promotional messages throughout the year, eliminating the need for frequent printing and disposal of paper posters.

  • High End-to-End Costs
    Printing costs, transportation expenses, and manual labor contribute to the overall expense of deploying traditional static communication methods. These costs can quickly accumulate, especially when communicating across multiple locations.

    By adopting digital signage, businesses can significantly reduce costs associated with printing, transportation, and manual labor. For instance, a chain of restaurants can centrally manage and update their menu boards using digital signages, eliminating the need to print and distribute physical menus to each location.

  • Manual and Inconvenient
    Coordinating the placement of static communication materials across different venues can be a cumbersome and time-consuming process. This manual effort often leads to logistical challenges and inconvenience.

    Digital signage simplifies the process by allowing centralized control and instant updates. For example, an event organizer can easily change and display event schedules and announcements on digital screens placed at various locations within the venue, eliminating the need for manual updates and coordination.

Advantages of Digital Screen Signages:

Fortunately, digital screens integrated with advanced digital signage solutions provide an efficient and flexible alternative to static communication. Here are some key advantages of leveraging digital signage:

  • Reusability
    Digital screens and digital signages offer the advantage of long-term reuse as a communication medium. With digital creatives, messages can be easily changed and updated, making the screens more versatile and environmentally sustainable.

    For example, a transportation company can use digital signages at bus stops to display dynamic route information and updates, eliminating the need for frequent manual updates of fixed schedules.

  • Dynamic Content and Instant Updates
    With a simple press of a button, digital signages enable instant updates to the displayed content. This feature allows for real-time communication changes, making it ideal for time-sensitive information or promotional campaigns.

    For instance, a retail store can quickly update digital screens to showcase new product launches, ongoing sales, or limited-time offers, capturing customers’ attention and driving immediate action.

  • Centralized Control
    Digital signages can be centrally controlled, facilitating seamless communication management across multiple properties or locations. This centralized control ensures consistent branding and messaging, streamlining operations for businesses and organizations.

    For example, a multinational corporation can use a centralized digital signage system to disseminate company-wide announcements and updates, ensuring consistent messaging across all offices and branches.

  • Enhanced Visibility
    Research suggests that digital displays offer up to twice the visibility compared to static communication. Higher brightness levels and the inclusion of dynamic content, such as videos, captivate viewers’ attention and improve message retention.

    For example, a museum can use digital screens to showcase interactive exhibits, engaging visitors with captivating visuals and informative videos, resulting in a more immersive experience.

  • Interactive Features
    Digital signages provide opportunities for incorporating advanced interactive features. From social media integration to impression management, these interactive elements engage the audience and enhance the overall communication experience.

    For instance, a shopping mall can integrate digital signages with social media feeds, encouraging shoppers to engage with the brand online and share their experiences, creating a sense of community, and generating user-generated content.

Expanding Applications of Digital Signages

The benefits of digital signages extend across various industries, channels, and use cases. Here are a few examples of their diverse applications:

  • Retail
    Digital signages can be used in retail environments to showcase product information, promotions, and customer reviews, enhancing the shopping experience and driving sales.
  • Hospitality
    Hotels and resorts can utilize digital signages for displaying event schedules, wayfinding, and personalized guest messages, improving guest engagement and satisfaction.
  • Healthcare
    Digital signage in healthcare facilities can provide important information such as appointment reminders, health tips, and emergency notifications, enhancing patient communication and overall experience.
  • Transportation
    Airports, bus stations, and train terminals can employ digital signages for real-time updates on arrivals, departures, and travel information, improving passenger communication and reducing confusion.
  • Education
    Educational institutions can leverage digital signages for announcements, campus maps, event promotions, and showcasing student achievements, enhancing campus communication and engagement.

Transforming Communication with Intelisa: Unlocking the Power of Digital Screen Signages

Intelisa’s comprehensive platform enables organizations to leverage the benefits of digital signage, making communication more impactful, versatile, and sustainable. By using Intelisa, businesses can streamline their communication processes, enhance brand consistency, and engage their audiences in meaningful ways.

From retail outlets and corporate environments to healthcare clinics and public spaces, Intelisa empowers businesses across various industries to deliver messages that resonate with their target audience. With Intelisa’s centralized control, users can efficiently manage and update content across multiple screens and locations, ensuring consistent messaging and branding.

So, don’t wait anymore, and get a free trial today!

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Intelisa’s Digital Signages for Healthcare

Effective communication lies at the heart of delivering exceptional patient care in the ever-evolving healthcare landscape. From bustling hospital corridors to serene clinic waiting rooms, transparent and timely information is crucial to improving the patient experience.

With rapid technological advancements, healthcare facilities are adopting advanced solutions to transform how they communicate with their patients entirely. One such innovation adopted by the healthcare industry is digital signage software.

Gone are the days of outdated notice boards and static signs; now, dynamic displays infused with technology are breathing new life into patient communication. But if you are least aware of how to use digital signage software in healthcare settings, we are here to help you.

This article will dive deep into the right ways to maximize your patient experience. So, let’s get started!

Setting clear objectives

Start by determining the specific goals you want to achieve with digital signage. Here are some common objectives of setting up signages in hospital settings:

  • Provide information to patients, visitors, and staff.
    Use digital signage displays to provide important information like waiting times, visiting hours, emergency alerts, and general hospital announcements. It helps to keep people informed and reduce confusion.
  • Assist in wayfinding.
    Hospitals can utilize digital signage to assist patients and visitors in navigating complex buildings. Interactive maps and directions can be displayed to guide individuals to specific departments, making it easier for them to find their way around the facility.
  • Educate patients.
    Digital signage can educate patients about various health topics, medical procedures, and healthy lifestyle choices. It can display informative videos, slideshows, or animations to promote health awareness and informed decision-making.
  • Enhanced staff communication.
    Digital signage can be a valuable tool for internal communication within the hospital. It can display essential announcements, employee recognition, training schedules, and other relevant information for staff members.
  • Promote services and events.
    Hospitals can use digital signage to communicate or generate awareness about their services, health campaigns, and upcoming events. It can help raise awareness among patients and the local community about available medical expertise, screenings, workshops, or support groups.

Choosing the right digital signage software

Now that you have assessed your goals and objectives, it’s time to select a digital signage software that aligns with them. Here are some steps you can follow to make an informed decision:

  • Evaluate specific requirements of your healthcare setting.
    Consider factors such as the size and layout of your facility, the number of screens you need, content management capabilities, integration with existing systems (EMR, scheduling, etc.), and any compliance regulations (HIPAA, ADA) you must adhere to.
  • Research available options.
    Conduct thorough research to identify digital signage software providers specializing in the healthcare industry. Look for companies with experience in healthcare and understand the unique needs and challenges of the sector. Explore their websites, read customer reviews, and compare different solutions’ features, functionality, and pricing. For instance, healthcare providers love how Intelisa helps them push important educational content for patients to different locations from the head office. With the digital signage solution live in over 2000 locations, digital communication becomes more effortless.
  • Prioritize content management capabilities.
    A robust content management system (CMS) is essential for creating, scheduling, and managing content on your digital signage screens. Ensure that the software allows easy content creation and editing, supports various media formats (images, videos, live feeds), and enables you to schedule content based on different criteria (time, location, audience).
  • Look for seamless integration.
    The software must seamlessly integrate with your existing electronic medical records (EMR) system, scheduling software, data feeds, or third-party applications. Integration can streamline workflows and enable dynamic content delivery based on real-time data.
  • Security and compliance.
    Healthcare environments handle sensitive patient information, so security and compliance are crucial. Ensure that the digital signage software adheres to industry-standard security protocols and can protect data privacy.

Once you have shortlisted a few digital signage software options, request demos or trials from the vendors. This will allow you to test the software firsthand and evaluate its ease of use, interface, performance, and overall user experience. Pay attention to how well it aligns with your specific requirements and objectives.

Plan your content strategy.

Understanding your audience is crucial to plan your content strategy effectively. Consider the demographics and characteristics of the people viewing the digital signage. Patients, visitors, and staff may have different information needs and preferences. Conduct surveys to gather insights on what content they find valuable and engaging.

Remember that creating a content calendar is an integral part of your strategy. Develop a schedule for content updates, taking into account the frequency and timing that works best for your audience. Plan for daily, weekly, and monthly content rotations, and consider any special events or campaigns you want to promote.

Bonus tip: Engage with various stakeholders, including hospital departments, doctors, nurses, marketing teams, and patient representatives, to gather relevant content and ensure accuracy.

Determine display locations

When determining the best locations for digital signage displays, it’s crucial to consider strategic placements that can effectively reach a large audience. One of the key areas to focus on is the waiting rooms. These spaces are often filled with patients and visitors looking for information or entertainment while waiting.

Reception areas are another prime location for digital signage displays. The reception area is usually the first point of contact for patients and visitors entering a facility. Highlight important announcements, showcase services or products, or display welcome messages.

Lastly, focus on hallways and patient rooms, as they are often high-traffic areas within a facility, making them an ideal spot for digital signage displays.  This can be particularly effective for sharing important information, such as directions, upcoming events, or health and safety reminders.

Note: Consider the height and orientation of the displays to ensure optimal visibility and readability as people walk by.

Create and manage content.

Use the digital signage software to design and schedule your content. Consider creating different content playlists for different times of the day or specific areas within the healthcare facility. Update content regularly to keep it fresh and relevant.

For instance, during the morning hours, when the facility is typically busy with patients, display content related to healthy living, preventive care, and reminders for regular check-ups. In the afternoon, when the waiting rooms are less crowded,  showcase information about upcoming health education seminars, wellness programs, and testimonials from satisfied patients.

And the best part? Digital signage solutions like Intelisa have a scheduling feature that automatically switches between playlists based on the time of the day. This ensures that the displayed content remains relevant and captures the target audience’s attention at specific times.

Tailor content to different audiences

Segment your content to cater to different patient demographics and healthcare needs. For example, you might display information about preventive care for older adults in geriatric wards or promote pediatric health initiatives in children’s areas.

Conclusion

In conclusion, digital signage software has emerged as a powerful tool for enhancing patient communication within healthcare settings. By incorporating dynamic and visually appealing displays, healthcare facilities can deliver vital information effectively, improve patient experiences, and streamline operations.

But remember that investing in a user-friendly digital signage solution is crucial to make the process hassle-free. For instance, Intelisa comes with many different features, like live streaming and social media integration, which effectively help reuse marketing content used across various channels. To know more about how to fully utilize digital signage in your hospital or clinic setup, book a free trial today

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How to maximize ROI with a dynamic digital signage?

Are you tired of spending money on traditional advertising methods with little to no return on investment? A dynamic digital signage is here to ensure you spend your bucks right!

This modern approach to advertising can help you grab the attention of your target audience and maximize your ROI. With vibrant visuals, eye-catching animations, and compelling content, a dynamic digital signage is the perfect way to get your message across in a fun and engaging way.

But what is digital signage and how effective are digital displays in improving ROI? We will talk all about it in this article to ensure you know what smart digital signage can be utilized for! So, let’s get started.

Digital signage meaning

Digital signage refers to the use of digital displays, such as monitors or TVs, to showcase information, advertisements, or promotions. Digital signage and displays can be static or interactive and are commonly seen in public spaces, stores, or restaurants

Digital signage as a service is a cloud-based solution that enables businesses to remotely manage and update their digital signage content. This technology is an effective way for businesses to engage and inform customers and can be used in various settings such as retail, hospitality, and healthcare.

6 Steps to maximize ROI with dynamic digital signage

Now that we know what is digital signage, let’s get ahead with the steps to maximum ROI with dynamic displays.

1. Set clear goals and objectives of installing dynamic digital signage

Dynamic displays are used to achieve many different goals and objectives. In retail, the main goal is often to drive sales and enhance the customer experience.

According to Forbes, “retailers aim to use dynamic signage as a way of personalizing the shopping experience, showing customers how products can be used and enticing them with special promotions or offers.”

Similarly, in healthcare, the goals for dynamic signage include improving communication with patients, reducing wait times, and enhancing patient satisfaction.

Lastly, for restaurants, digital signage can be used to improve menu visibility, showcase specials, and increase upselling.

According to QSR magazine, “digital menu boards have become a necessity for restaurants to stay competitive by easily adapting to price changes, menu updates and new product rollouts.

In a nutshell, dynamic digital signage is a versatile tool that can serve various goals for businesses. So, get started and identify the goals and objectives of setting up a digital display!

2. Identify your target segments and display engaging content

Identifying your target audience is crucial to maximize ROI from installing digital signage. You can easily tailor content of your digital signage by understanding the specific needs, behaviours, and preferences of your target audience.

For example, retail stores can identify different customer segments based on demographics, age, and shopping preferences. A quick analysis of customer data and insights goes a long way in improving the overall engagement.

3. Select the right hardware and software.

It’s crucial to select the right hardware and software as it directly impacts the performance, reliability, and effectiveness of the digital signage solution.

Some factors to consider include display screen size and resolution, media player and content management system, connectivity, and security features. For instance,  Intelisa is a fully secured digital signage solution that ensures no downtime and works in offline mode as well.

The hardware components such as displays and media players should be selected based on the specific requirements of the digital signage deployment.

For example, if the digital signage displays are intended for outdoor use, they should be weatherproof and have high brightness levels for clear visibility in sunlight. Similarly, media players should have sufficient processing power and memory to smoothly run the content and software.

Furthermore, choosing high-quality hardware from reputable brands ensures that the digital signage solution operates for an extended period without frequent breakdowns, reducing the total cost of ownership (TCO) and maximizing ROI.

4. Select a digital signage solution with integration features.

Make sure you test the integration and compatibility of digital signage solutions before making a choice. Digital signage solutions often require integration with other systems, such as content management systems (CMS), ERP’s, Point of Sale (POS) systems, data sources, third-party applications, or hardware peripherals (e.g., sensors, touchscreens, etc.).

Selecting hardware and software that are compatible with existing systems or have built-in integration capabilities ensures seamless operation and functionality, maximizing the value and effectiveness of the digital signage solution.

5. Create compelling content that resonates with the audience.

The success of dynamic digital signage depends on the content you display. Are you creating content compelling enough to lure in your targeting audience? If not, here are some tips you can use:

    • Use eye-catching graphics
      High-quality graphics with visually appealing images, videos, or animations can immediately grab attention and create an impact.For example, in a retail store, using vibrant videos with dynamic animations can showcase the latest products or promotions and entice customers to make a purchase.
    • Encourage customers with interactive content.
      Interactive content encourages audience engagement and improve the overall effectiveness of digital signage display.
      For example, restaurants can use interactive menus to enhance the overall dining experience and boost sales.
    • Display real-time information
      Displaying real-time information such as news updates, or social media feeds can create a sense of urgency and relevance.For example, in a healthcare facility, displaying real-time wait times or patient testimonials can improve the overall patient experience.
    • Incorporating user-generated content
      User-generated content, such as social media posts, customer reviews, or testimonials, can add authenticity and social proof to the digital signage.
      For example, retail stores can display positive customer reviews to boost brand credibility and encourage customers to make a purchase.
    • Using storytelling to your advantage.
      Storytelling content with compelling narratives or emotional appeal can resonate with the audience and create a memorable experience.
      For example, stores can display their origin story or brand mission and vision through a compelling story to build a connection.

6. Test and optimize digital signage displays.

Testing and optimizing dynamic displays play an important role in garnering maximum engagement and revenue. Start by creating multiple versions and layouts of your content and test them against each other to see which one performs better (A/B testing). Experiment with different CTAs, colors, fonts, content types, etc.

Conduct a deep content performance analysis using analytical data and insights. This can involve tracking metrics such as impressions, click-through rates, or conversion rates. Use this data to optimize your content strategy and create more effective and engaging content.

Conclusion

Now if you’re looking for a comprehensive digital signage solution that can help you maximize your ROI, look no further than Intelisa. With our cutting-edge hardware and software, you can create dynamic and engaging content that will capture the attention of your target audience and help you achieve your business goals. Plus, our user-friendly interface and customer support make it easy to get started. So, don’t wait any longer and book a free trial today

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Dynamic digital signage is a modern approach to advertising that uses digital displays to showcase content such as videos, images, and text.

Any business that wants to increase brand awareness, promote products or services, and improve customer experience can benefit from dynamic digital signage. Examples include retail stores, healthcare facilities, restaurants, and more.

The content you display on your digital signage should be visually appealing, informative, and relevant to your target audience. Examples include promotions, product demos, social media feeds, and news updates.

When selecting hardware and software for your digital signage, consider factors such as display size and resolution, compatibility with your content management system, and ease of use for your staff.

Maximizing ROI with dynamic digital signage requires measuring success. Track customer engagement, sales data, and foot traffic. Use surveys or feedback forms to gather insights and A/B testing to compare content and messaging effectiveness.

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5 ways of using digital signage in restaurants

We all have heard of the saying, “you eat with your eyes first,” and what better way to tease your customers’ taste buds than with visually appealing digital displays?

Digital signages provide an excellent opportunity to showcase your restaurant’s menu items and create an engaging visual experience for your customers. Using digital displays, you can feature your menu items and exciting deals in a visually appealing and informative manner.

So, whether you are a small restaurant owner or a large chain, read on to discover how digital signage can enhance your customers’ dining experience and help grow your business.

Showcase menu items.

Digital signages can display high-quality images of your restaurant’s menu items, making them more visually appealing and tempting to customers.

Here are some points you must consider while setting up your digital menu displays: 

  • Hire a professional photographer to click compelling pictures of your menu items. Remember that high-quality images play a significant role in capturing attention.
  • Display nutritional facts to show how your meals contribute to a healthier dining experience.
  • Give item descriptions to help customers better understand what they are ordering.
  • Highlight your bestselling items to entice customers into trying them.
  • Create short yet compelling videos of your menu items being prepared and served.

Bonus tip: Create interactive menus on the digital signage where customers can browse and customize their orders. This can enhance the ordering experience and make it more personalized.

Promote special discounts and offers.

Promoting special discounts and offers using digital signage is an effective way to attract customers and increase sales. Here are some key areas you must focus on while highlighting these offers:

  • Make the offer stand out using bold fonts, contrasting colors, and appropriate placement.
  • Use engaging visuals like photos and videos of menu items on offer to make it more appealing.
  • Include a strong CTA like limited time only or order now and save to initiate immediate action.
  • Use a countdown timer to create a sense of urgency and encourage customers to take action before the offer expires.
  • Keep updating your offers on digital displays and clarify how much money customers can save by taking advantage of the special offer.

Such offers work exceptionally well at capturing attention and increasing orders.

Display customer reviews on your restaurant's digital signage.

Displaying customer reviews on digital signage is a great way to showcase your restaurant’s positive reputation. It helps build customer loyalty and recommendations. But to ensure you do it right, here are some tips you can use:

  • Choose the most positive reviews to be displayed on the signage.
    A simple “good food” won’t cut it if you already have, “I recently visited XYZ restaurant and was blown away by the overall experience. The ambiance was cozy and inviting, with beautiful decor and comfortable seating. To top it all off, the prices were very reasonable for the high quality of food and service we received. Overall, I highly recommend XYZ restaurant to anyone looking for an exceptional dining experience. I can’t wait to go back!”
    Here are some more examples of reviews that cut.

And if you have many such positive reviews, please show them off!

  • Use eye-catching visuals to make the reviews easier to read. Feel free to use various images and graphics to improve the overall look.
  • Extract reviews from platforms like Google and Yelp to showcase your reputation online.
  • Use a scrolling display to show multiple positive user reviews and highlight different areas simultaneously. This will create an engaging display for customers who will likely pay attention.
  • Encourage customers to leave reviews with various incentives.
  • Update digital signage reviews frequently to keep the display fresh and engaging for customers.

Provide sources of customer entertainment.

Digital signage can be a powerful tool for providing entertainment in a restaurant. Let’s look at some ways you can use to keep customers content:

  • Display live sports events to attract sports fans and create a lively atmosphere. They will likely sit and enjoy the game until the end while trying different items on your menu. A win-win for both, isn’t it?
  • Restaurants with a lively social media presence can use digital signage to showcase their social media feeds. You can include captivating Instagram photos, reels, and user-generated content to capture attention.
  • Use digital signage display to show mainstream tv shows. People sometimes visit restaurants to pass the time, and there’s no better entertainment than a cup of coffee, some snacks, and their favorite tv show on a screen.
  • Run contests through digital signage and provide special discounts to winners or even free meals.
  • Work on creating custom animation videos of your restaurant menu items or specials to garner attention.

Bonus tip: When using digital signage displays for customer entertainment, ensuring the content is high-quality and relevant to your brand is essential. Avoid overwhelming customers with too much information or distracting content. Keep the displays simple, visually appealing, and easy to understand.

Give a sneak peek at your brand story.

Every great business stems from a creative idea followed by proper execution. How about sharing that creative idea with your customers? Let’s take an example to understand this better:

“Chew-Chew’s is a restaurant started by a group of food-loving locomotive engineers who had a knack for whipping delicious meals in their train’s dining car. They decided to take their culinary skills off the rails and open a restaurant that combined their two passions: food and trains.  

The result was a quirky and fun establishment that served hearty meals inspired by classic railroad car fare. From the “Boxcar Burger” to the “Train Wreck Tacos,” Chew-Chew’s has something for everyone. The décor is full of train-themed knick-knacks, and the waitstaff wears conductor hats. It’s a truly unique dining experience that’ll leave you chugging back for more!”  

Now that’s an interesting story that deserves attention. Remember that people are always curious to learn about unique restaurant themes. Go ahead and give them the information they need with some creative visuals.

Install your digital signage display today!

In conclusion, digital signage can be a powerful tool for restaurant businesses to enhance their customer experience and increase revenue. By using digital signage creatively, such as displaying menu items, promoting specials, showcasing social media, entertaining guests, and streamlining ordering and payment processes, restaurants can engage customers in new and exciting ways.

One solution that can help restaurants implement digital signage is Intelisa. Intelisa is a digital signage platform that allows businesses to create and manage content on multiple screens from a single location. With features such as menu scheduling, menu template designs, social media integration, and customer analytics, Intelisa can help restaurants maximize the potential of their digital signage.

Get started and book a free trial today!

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Checklist for Digital Signage setup

Digital signages continue to become a powerful mode of communication with customers. Many brands are experimenting with it to come across the widely advertised benefits of setting up signages. But like any other form of communication, it requires a strategic approach to get the desired results.

Yet, many businesses fail to implement continuous modification and personalization based on changing customer behavior. To curb this, here are six significant components you must focus on to set up your digital signage effectively.

1) Identify the objective/intent of putting up signage.

Digital signages have many uses, like running promotional ads, interacting with the audience through exciting contests, and showcasing product galleries. Begin by identifying the intent behind setting up signage. Most businesses prefer a blend of promotional and interactive content to keep the customers engaged. Here are some ideas you can implement straight up:

  • Running time-sensitive ads during crowded hours.
    The time of the day also plays a crucial role in selecting the content type. For instance, time-sensitive ads remain suitable during crowded hours. Running ads through signage remains ideal as it remains a cost-effective method compared to traditional advertising.
  • Showing interactive content to capture and retain attention.
    People have a low attention span and losing interest is common. Your thought-out promotional videos won’t survive if you only boast about your product collection and trending offers. Therefore, work on running interactive quizzes, contests, and animated slides for fresh, dynamic and engagement-driven content.
  • Standing up for a cause.
    Whether you run promotional or interactive content, it connects with your products or services. However, many businesses take it up a notch by standing up for a cause that they are passionate about.
    For example, a shopping center in England partnered with Battersea, a home for cats and dogs, to start a #lookingforyou campaign.
    The home aimed at increasing adoptions and volunteers began by giving out brochures with a radio frequency tag. Every person who took the brochure would see a dog named Barley pop up on a digital sign throughout the center.

The campaign remained highly influential in gaining engagement. Standing up for a cause you deeply believe in helps your audience understand you better and develop an emotional connection.

2) Choose the right frequency of running ads

The importance and relevancy of the ads heavily impact the frequency. For example, running an enticing offer on your bestselling products will likely capture attention. It makes sense to run these ads more frequently than others; as you know, customers already love these products. Therefore, give more display time to ads with high relevancy to potential customers. 

Some other aspects impacting ad frequency are as follows:

  • Screen’s distance from the viewer
    If the screen is installed far from the viewer, you can run ads multiple times to ensure it catches the audience’s attention.
  • The crowd in the store.
    There’s no point running multiple ads in an empty or barely crowded store. Make it a point to increase ad frequency when you have enough people in the store. Therefore, schedule ads based on the timings with the maximum crowd.

3) Type of content to display

As discussed earlier, digital signage must have the correct promotional and interactive content blend. Here are some key areas you can target while making your content strategy:

  • Displaying more video content.
    Use short yet compelling videos as viewers interact better with videos than static images. You can showcase product demos, new product launches, production processes, different ways of styling your products, customer feedback, etc.

  • Raise awareness about existing products and their key benefits.
    Sometimes, users fail to notice products they like among a store’s hundreds of products. Display your best products on a digital screen to pique interest and initiate more action. Also, slip in the idea of visiting your social media pages, website, and newsletter subscription.
  • Keep your audience updated with news from your niche
    People love knowing about industry-specific information. Instead of boring them with the usual content, try going into specifics and monitor the engagement. You can also keep them updated with your business’ different locations.

  • Showcase images and videos from recent events and workshops.
    Businesses conducting events and workshops must share the experience through digital signage. These images and videos help build a connection with the audience beyond basic selling tactics. Moreover, it motivates people in your store to participate in the next event.
  • Share the experience of past customers.
    People’s buying decision is drastically affected by what other customers say about a business. Therefore, share reviews from your website, social pages, or Yelp to build trust and garner engagement.
  • Answer frequently asked questions about your products.
    Go through user reviews and connect with your sales reps to identify FAQs related to your business. Answer these FAQs to help out customers who hesitate to ask any question.

Additional tip: along with informing about an upcoming event, give customers a chance of an exclusive entry to garner engagement.

4) Ways to create engaging content

You don’t have to be a graphic designer to create compelling content for digital signage. Platforms like Adobe and Canva have many templates suitable for diverse content creation. You can easily create posters, infographics, short videos, etc., without hassle.

For example, Rawshorts is a great free tool for creating animated videos. But if you are more inclined to develop presentations, go for PowerPoint.

You can also keep an eye out for digital signage providers who help in end-to-end service offerings, including creating content. Intelisa, besides having an in-built integration to Canva, also provides a great additional introductory package for customers by designing the right creatives and managing their creative library. This greatly eases the process of adopting the new digital signage channel and getting the best ROI through it.

What if I don’t have time to create my own designs?
You can hire a graphic designer or display free stock content (images and videos). Many businesses go with purchasing compelling stock images too. Here are some of the best free and paid stock photography websites you can consider to get you started:

  • Adobe Stock
  • Pexels
  • Pixabay
  • Unsplash
  • Shutterstock
  • Getty Images
  • Vecteezy
  • Offset by Shutterstock (content from more experienced photographers)
  • Fotolia

5) Correct placement of digital signage

The placement of digital signage plays a crucial role in capturing the audience’s attention. It might seem straightforward, but it requires some thinking. Here are some areas to consider before placing your digital signages:

  • What’s the general path taken by your customers to reach the location?
  • Which areas have the highest amount of crowd during rush hours?
  • Where do your customers spend time waiting around in the store?
  • Is there any extra wall space that directly captures the audience’s attention?

After going through these questions, here are some basic ideas for digital signage installation: 

  • Interior walls for conveying broad messages.
    The most common place where we find digital signs are interior walls and supporting columns. They are fixed in an angle that directly faces the customers and targets broad messaging like 50% off on weekends.
  • Aisled endcaps for targeted content.
    Smaller digital screen with highly specific content often gets placed at aisle endcaps. These screens convey information like exclusive offers, product demo videos, etc.
  • To reduce the waiting time.
    You can install a digital screen with informative content at the checkout counter to reduce customer waiting time. Use the information obtained on waiting areas to ensure correct placement.
    Lastly, avoid focusing on filling in empty wall space and go forward with strategic signage placement.

6) Selecting an effective digital signage software.

Easy setup and installation remain a priority when considering digital signage software for your business.

For instance, Intelisa’s cloud-based software access ensures you get started within a few clicks. You can easily control it using your smartphone or computer. After getting started, you can easily integrate your social pages, create dynamic content with available templates, and offer a personalized experience.

Some other core areas that Intelisa provides to its users are as follows:

  • A plug-and-play digital signage solution that is up and running in 5 minutes
  • Allows easy display of all content types (images, videos, documents, and so on).
  • Plays in offline mode which is great for places where internet connection is intermittent
  • Ease of use ensures anyone with basic tech skills can operate it.
  • Affordable subscription-based offerings provide convenience to businesses.
  • Helps in increasing revenue with third-party advertising.
  • Allows centralized monitoring to ensure you display relevant content that garners engagement.
  • Social media integration to help you reuse online assets
  • Many more advanced features to future proof your investment

The software you choose eventually decides the success of your campaigns. Therefore, ensure you go through all relevant features before choosing.

Wrapping up

In conclusion, rightly implementing these six components will ensure you get a good start. Keep modifying your digital signage strategy further to create a lasting impact. The idea is to experiment with different content types, keep ad frequency in check, select the correct digital signage placement, and rely on an easy-to-use digital signage solution.

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Top 5 Digital Signage Ideas For Your Retail Store

Do you know that simply visually highlighting top products at the point of sale in a retail store doubles their conversion rate? (Case in Point: The effectiveness of mannequins!) 

Let’s be honest; the world is filled with window shoppers looking for a slight push. It can be a sale, an irresistible offer, a unique brand story, or an interesting production process.

Captivating visuals are quick at capturing attention. Your walk-ins drastically increase when they see a tempting offer next to their favourite items.

But there are various ways of using digital signages for your retail store.

Today, we will cover some of these ways and strategies to make the most of your displays. Here’s a 101 of making offers your prospects can’t refuse!

1) Highlight The Current Offers And Sale On Top Products

How often have you walked into a store after seeing a sale sign or a tempting offer?

Our excitement to purchase heightens when our most-loved products are highlighted, especially with special offers. But what if disappointment follows as the sale ended weeks ago or the product displayed is out of stock?

The traditional ways of communication (posters, pamphlets, magazine displays) show a single offering for an extended period. Conveying new information takes an unnecessary amount of time and effort.

Why choose digital signages over traditional approaches?

  • Display real-time information on limited period offers and sales on the best-selling products.
  • Automation removes the burden of manual effort and costs.
  • Enhance customer excitement with countdowns for upcoming sales.
  • Scheduling offers and promotions become more accessible while you convey your top offers to a mass audience.

Takeaway tips:

  1. A 50% off sign next to a fast selling product will likely drive enquiries for that product. Changing offers dynamically is as important as highlighting the right product, and both are key to amplifying sales.
  1. Use a digital signage solution that lets you schedule your promotions in advance and track analytics. For instance, Intelisa’s AI-driven analytics help create targeted content based on results. Measure the results, modify your content creation strategy, and follow it with strategic signage placement.

2) Share Your Unique Brand Story With The Customers

Do you have a crazy story behind how your brand came into existence?

Use digital signage to convey that story and show your brand is more than the products or services it provides. A unique brand story helps establish a connection with your prospective customers.

Brand loyalty often stems when prospects connect with your brand’s values. Here are some questions you can focus on:

  • What core problems you identified led you to start your brand?

Explain how you came around to the solutions that stem from your personal troubles.

  • What are the unique ways you use to solve the concerned problems?

Give your audience a glimpse of your thought-out approaches.

  • Does your brand name have deep values attached to it?

People love dwelling on compelling stories driving an action.

  • How much have you progressed over the years?

Play with numbers and create a visual impact while depicting your progress.

  • Is your brand focused on producing eco-friendly products? What other soft aspects do you cater to through your products?

Every successful brand recognizes the importance of storytelling. Instead of conveying the idea of selling products with every content piece, focus on selling experiences.

3) Showcase User-Generated Content To The Audience

Do you know that 93% of consumers agree to make quicker buying decisions with User-generated content (UGC)?

Prospective customers will likely believe past users’ experiences and reviews rather than the experience the brand claims to provide or advertises. The impact of user-generated content on conversions remains high.  Moreover, providing unbiased information on your products helps make quicker decisions.

Showcase a social media wall

Creating a social media wall is the easiest way of incorporating UGC into digital signage. Social media works wonders in capturing attention in the retail setting. Focus on the following aspects while creating a social media wall:

  • Either target a specific platform like Twitter or have a blend of different ones (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, etc.).
  • Work on identifying the platforms where your target audience talks the most.
  • Next, extract all these conversations, photos, and videos and display them to your prospects.
  • Include social icons on the signage to drive traffic to your social platforms.

Takeaway tips 

  1. Show your prospective customers the experience you provide through text, images, and videos. With Intelisa, you can communicate real-time updates with social media integration, ERP integration, and more. It’s time to eliminate static posters conveying outdated information to users.
  2. Displaying past users’ experiences next to the products helps give customers a real-time experience to initiate the buying decision.

5) Run Videos Showing Your Production Process

Does your production process differ significantly from your competitors? Is it a short yet exciting journey your prospects should know about?

Audiences love knowing the production process of the items they use regularly. Brands often make heavy claims about their products in marketing campaigns. But they rarely put effort into backing it up with proof.

Words continue to have a substantial impact but showcasing the actions builds trust. Here is what you should do instead:

  • Instead of claiming the use of eco-friendly raw materials, display the entire production process.
  • Provide utmost transparency to establish credibility among your target audience.
  • Add enough transitions in your videos for a visually pleasing effect.
  • Blend the production process with funny behind-the-scene videos to make it interesting.

6) Showcase the range of your products

People outside your retail store can see only a limited number of products displayed on the front. 

What if they are interested in spending on products they can’t see?

You can interpret audiences’ needs, but the final decision comes from their end.

With digital signages, showcase your wide range of products in a captivating and dynamic video walls. Combine them with the top benefits they provide to a targeted customer segment. Moreover, giving quick access to varieties work well in capturing interest.

Here’s how Rebecca Minkoff, one of the luxury fashion brands, uses digital signage to provide an interactive experience.

Using this interactive digital signage, users can browse through product catalogues, contact attendants, etc. It provides a hassle-free experience of exploring items, especially during heavy crowd in-store.

Conclusion

Retail digital signage works exceptionally well whether you promote an offer, showcase your range of products or integrate physical with your online reviews and content. Digital signage solutions like Intelisa are equipped with a centrally controlled module to help you keep track of your advertised information. Communicating status updates also becomes easier through the cloud. The company tackles large and small businesses looking to improve their ROI through effective communication.

The end-to-end service ensures all your needs are handled without any hassle. Furthermore, the heavy focus on personalization and automated communication further improves engagement and drives sales.

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How to use digital signages for product launches?

Product launch events often demand capturing and retaining customer attention. It includes creating brand awareness, providing launch discounts, showcasing your product range, and much more.

Your sales reps are prepared with all the relevant information to convey. However, more and more launches lately use the added layer of dynamic digital displays to convey information quickly and capture attention more efficiently.

Today, we will discuss all the different ways you can use digital signage solutions for product launches. Let’s begin with the most critical area— creating urgency to increase sales.

#1 Create urgency with digital signage

Let’s say you launched an excellent new product solving a key customer challenge.

How do you know that customers wouldn’t postpone their buying decision? 

Once they do, what are the odds of them returning to purchase the same?

Highlight any of the following three components to initiate a quicker buying decision:

  • The top common challenges your product solves
  • Benefits you provide to different target segments
  • Limited-time deals/enticing offers to fasten the buying decision.

Customers always pay attention when you talk about solving their key problems.

Now imagine their excitement of purchasing the product when provided with an opportunity to access 70% off on the launch day.

What are the chances of them taking action now? 

Probably much higher!

Key takeaway:  prioritize benefits over features and present a compelling discounted price to customers on launch day.

#2 Use QR codes for customer engagement

Do you know that QR codes work great for impatient customers desiring quick information?

There are various ways of using QR codes in your product launch to enhance customer engagement. Start by understanding the needs of your target customers. Here are some everyday use cases of QR codes on digital signage displays:

  • Many customers require detailed information about specific products.

How about installing digital signage with a QR code that loads and provides all the information one needs to decide? Try adding specific discounts for first-time users to improve the chances of instant conversion. Remember that most brands succeed in increasing conversions by making QR codes a source of additional information.

  • Organize a fun quiz or giveaways.

QR codes also remain efficient for entertainment purposes. People love indulging in a quiz or giveaways. Many brands organize puzzle challenges or exciting events like scavenger hunts.

  • Use QR codes to display your product catalogs.

Showcasing your wide range of products remains one of the most efficient ways of customer engagement. Provide access to your product catalogs in one easy scan, and you are good to go.

  • Using QR codes for extracting customer information.

Include a short form demanding basic customer information in return for discounts or coupons. Then use the information to keep customers updated with the latest products, upcoming sales, etc.

  • Direct them to your website or social page.

Customers love understanding a brand inside and out before making a purchase. Many minute details about your brand become a great decision-maker. Use QR codes to direct customers to your website, eCommerce store, or social channels. Help them understand the range of your products, brand story, current following, etc.

Takeaway tip: use QR codes on digital signage to organize exciting quizzes, challenges, and additional product information.

#3 Use it to answer FAQs

Customers have abundant questions about a new product in the market. Some are quick to address their queries while others expect to know without asking.

Using Digital Signage to answer frequently asked questions regarding the product will establish clarity. Remember that a customer’s mind having fewer questions increases the chances of conversion.

But why do you need a digital signage display if your sales reps have all the answers?

Here are the two reasons why you need a digital signage display to answer FAQs:

  • Start by admitting that most people are curious yet shy to ask questions. Their queries remain unanswered and they continue using your competitors’ products.
  • Your store might be at full capacity on the product launch day. Digital signages help reduce wait time and provide answers when your reps are occupied.

 

Key takeaway: Have information-centric digital signage on product launch day instead of only sales-y displays.

#4 Enhance customer experience with interactive displays

Do you know what’s the most successful feature of an in-store digital signage strategy?

Our research has found two in-depth surveys trying to figure the same out:

  • According to a survey conducted by WBR, interactivity remained the top feature. They survey 100 different retailers with 87% of them dwelling on the importance of interactivity.
  • Another retail survey conducted by SOTI showed that 66% of shoppers hate human interaction and prefer self-checkouts. It also revealed that 75% of shoppers like digital displays showcasing inventory availability. This shows that they hate looking for someone to help them out.

Both surveys emphasize the importance of interactive digital signage solutions.

Here are some of the key factors that will provide a great experience on product launch day:

  • Interactive content packed with videos and images conveying the shopping options.
  • User-friendly multitouch tables provide a guided digital tour to prospective customers.
  • Help them learn thoroughly about the products along with allowing them to connect with the brand’s social media accounts.
  • Provide personalization by showing the entire product line when they search for a particular product.
  • Allow customers to directly purchase products of their choice.

Key Takeaway:  provide a personalized experience to customers by installing interactive digital signages. Let them browse through the collections, place orders, and provide an outlet to share their experience as well.

#5 Use animation to inform and entertain prospects

What better way to entice your customers than using animation to showcase information?

No one likes looking at boring displays.

Let’s say your product has multiple uses and stands out amongst the competition based on the areas of diversity. Imagine explaining the uses with 2-D or 3-D animation.

Another great idea is using different animated characters to target your various customer segments. Furthermore, if you are targeting teenagers then adding animation is the best way to capture attention.

Let’s now look at some animation techniques brands use to convey their message:

  • Using Complex Mask hide and reveal the content to maximize your narrative. It works best for asking and then answering questions.
  • Use Image Alteration to make pictures pop out and create the illusion of movement.
  • Create excitement with fast-paced animation aka Kinetic Typography to strategically reveal the elements. It includes rotation, zoom, unexpected pauses, etc.
  • Create loops of your past customers enjoying your products.

Takeaway tip: start experimenting with character animation to put your target segments into funny perspectives.

Wrapping up

Use a blend of the above-mentioned ideas to have a successful product launch. It’s a great opportunity to showcase the edge over your competitors. Make your prospects aware of the remarkable benefits of your products. Furthermore, keep the information interesting and unleash your creativity to garner maximum engagement.

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Social Media & Digital Signages

Combining your Social Media content with on-ground Digital Signages make a great combination

I recently went to my family doctors’ clinic when I was running a slight temperature. Quite ironic, but I was pleasantly surprised during the visit. In its waiting room, the clinic was displaying testimonials from their social media feed. This was a welcome change from the drab static communication that was perpetually pinned up.

Being in the Digital Signage space, I always think of it as a silent victory when I, “as a consumer”, am able to see and benefit from the product. Time and again, I have observed that digital display communication penetrates through to its consumer, like no other.

The effectiveness grows even more exponentially when you tie in social media to it.

Why display social media on digital signages? And what are some powerful ways to build a good campaign?

I attempt to explain:

Break the dichotomy of physical and online world: Owing to separate agencies or teams managing offline and online campaigns/ activations, I have observed that there is often a looming dichotomy between the two spaces, with limited overlap. For example, why can’t a campaign for a kids wear brand that crowdsources pictures online, extend its campaign and display it in their stores, etc. I think the constraint of not having a digital channel at store maybe a reason, which can be overcome by a digital signage medium at the shop floor.

Add 360-degree levers for a campaign: This is an extension of the earlier point. A single campaign should have touchpoints across all channels. For example, a customer visiting a store can engage with a campaign (at the store), and then continue the engagement once back home (through social media). This increases scope for a lasting brand impression and recall.

Reuse content: Brands churn out quality content for their social media feed almost every other day. Why not reuse it across channels to drive awareness? This not only saves cost, but, I believe, real-time communication across channels is key to breaking communication barriers and silos.

Use the power of testimonials, reviews and customer stories: Testimonials, reviews and a good word help like no conventional marketing can, since it is viewed as independent and unbiased.  A great feedback, an interesting testimonial can be projected across channels as a shining example of success. One can encourage outstanding service by recognizing employees who bring in such customer delight.

Integrate with key processes: Certain key processes greatly help in operations, like queue management in restaurants, with token numbers displayed to inform customers of their orders. One can use digital signages to display these processes and ease operations along with other communication alongside it. A great way to integrate multiple use-cases with a dynamic real-time channel.

Build engagement: One cannot emphasize enough on building engagement as a tool for brand growth. One of the key pillars to leave behind a lasting brand impression and recall is by engaging with your audience. A two-way conversation is far more impactful given participation from the intended audience.

Try adding a CTA to incentivize: Incentives to trigger action are also a great way to enable a two-way conversation as mentioned earlier. For example, a small prize or some recognition, can go a long way to trigger participation.

There are many such useful methods to integrate the online with the offline.

Intelisa helps you with all the features that are required to enable a 360-degree campaign.

We will be happy to assist you with ideas based on the space and sector you operate in. Give us a ring, drop us a line, we are always happy to connect and brainstorm!

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2021 Digital Signage Display Report

A glance at the latest features in digital displays and the technology that’s behind it

by Alok Dukle

Digital Signage displays have come a long way. The good old cathode ray tube (CRT) technology for televisions, that was housed in a big box, was revolutionary at its introduction, but now practically extinct.

Over the years, of course, new digital display technologies significantly outshone it in features and cost effectiveness.

So before we venture into display technology, lets go through some features in digital displays that I came across in exhibitions, research papers and articles. These are 5 trends I saw that I particularly found interesting:

1. a. Rollable TV’s

One of the hottest innovations in televisions was showcased at CES recently – LG’s incredible rollable TV, a 65-inch OLED television that’s ‘foldable’ – it actually rolls up out of a horizontal cabinet base. When stacked in front of your bed, it is perfect to unveil and watch television, and other times can be used as a seat and music player. All in all, quite unreal – check it out below:

1. b. Rollable & foldable phones:

Rollable & foldable phones are pretty mind-blowing as well since, in a sense, they can potentially convert a phone into a tablet! Check out this video to understand this:

2. Haptics

Another interesting upcoming feature in display is called ‘haptics’.
With haptics, one can ‘feel’ the screen which creates sensations when touched.
Imagine buying a top/ shirt on Amazon: With this great feature, you could actually feel the cloth before buying it. A very interesting technology which allows the sense of ‘touch’ to be enabled on displays, in addition to visual (screen) and audio (speakers).

3. Bendy-Flexi-See-through OLED’s

LG Displays showcased a whole host of features pumped into their OLED this year – from see-through displays to bendable ones. Watch this stunning video.

The applications of see-through displays are no-doubt interesting. Almost 60% of the screen surface is see-through, so displays can effectively be used in fast food restaurant counters – wherein one can view the display as well as the person on the counter behind it. Particularly useful in the Covid-19 pandemic as well- to create a shield between customer and store personnel.

The bendable displays have an interesting application in gaming too – they create an immersive experience for games, given that the screens are bent and aligned to the way we actually see. Check out the video to understand this!

4. Augmented Reality (AR) / Virtual Reality (VR)

This interactive virtual concierge robot is an example of AR at work, and was showcased in a recent symposium for Digital Displays. The concierge was charming, almost human-like, and interacted with customers socially about products. For example, she waved her hand to attract the attention of potential customers. She then had a social conversation and conveyed salient points about products, and answered questions along the way – just as a store personnel would do!

The assistant was actually projected on glass that can serve as a transparent glass ordinarily, and then as a projection screen for augmented reality, when required.

Given an advanced ability to interact, one can imagine the possibilities this opens up – contactless shopping, personnel-less stores, to name a few.

Many such applications around AR and VR are slowly unfolding.

5. Coloured e-ink and more

This is a display system I am particularly quite interested in – of course, best known from the Kindle displays.

They are drastically different from regular displays, and bring forth their own set of advantages. The people at E-ink rightly point out, that the technology is not meant to be a replacement for digital displays, but for paper!

Its advantages like extremely long battery life, very low power requirement, no eye strain and artistic appearance, completely disrupt the space. However, limitations like able to only display images (not videos), very low refresh rate, and so on, make it placed in a completely different segment from digital displays.

In its independent space, e-ink technology is now releasing features of enabling colour, currently at 4096 shades of colours and around 16 levels of grayscale.  Great space to keep a tab on!

Now most of the above advanced features are still not out in the mass market, since they aren’t cost-effective as yet for being adopted. However, thanks to the speed of R&D we will get there soon! 

The features, of course, are only possible thanks to advanced display technologies.  

In this next section, let’s take a look at how display technologies have evolved over time, and made the features we saw earlier possible. Here’s the evolution of display technologies:

The well-known Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)

In the year 2007, the image quality of LCD displays surpassed that of the traditional CRT TV’s. And almost immediately towards the end of the year, there was a formidable shift in the space – more LCD’s were shipped as compared to CRT’s. And over time, of course, CRT’s were rendered extinct!

LCD Screens and their evolutions

LCD’s, in order to make images visible, need a backlight. Earlier this light was in the form of CCFL’s (cold cathode fluorescent lamps) which were placed on the opposite edges of the display. This was the key technology used for many years.

However, with time, CCFL’s began getting replaced by LED’s (Light Emitting Diodes) which were more efficient than CCFL’s.

Did you know that the LED televisions we see today are basically LED backlit LCD displays? Unlike what people presume, they aren’t ‘LED televisions’ in themselves. Pure LED’s still command a premium price, but are slowly making their in-roads to the mass market.

The New Age LED’s: The era of LED, OLED, QLED and AMOLED

Outdoor displays use the pure form of LED’s, since they are generally seen from a distance and need to be bright, given the daylight. They are useful for outdoor billboards, but generally not used indoors.

OLED which stands for Organic Light emitting diode, is actually a pure LED technology for indoor displays.

Followed by QLED & AMOLED, and others, which for understanding sake, are essentially variations of the OLED.

The advantages are that they produce a much higher quality output versus previous technologies, they are brighter, require no backlighting and also produce ‘true blacks’.

The current LED’s, due to backlight, are not capable of producing deep blacks. Whereas, since OLED’s are lighted up by individual pixels, they do not produce light when off and remain totally black.

Traditional LED’s (LED backlit LCD’s) versus OLED’s

These new-age LED’s are now being adopted, and LCD is on the decline, similar to how, in fact, LCD’s had overtaken CRT’s way back in 2007.

Samsung and LG, recently, both halted their domestic production of their traditional LCD’s to focus more on these newer LED technologies.

Demand and supply of Micro LED displays. Source: IDTechEX

The Future LED’s: Micro LED’s

Micro LED’s are what many believe to be the next generation of display technology. MicroLED displays offer a wide range of additional features such as wide colour gamut, high luminance and contrast, wide view angle, transparency, seamless connection, and sensor integration capability, among others.

Most of the advanced features which are releasing now like bendable, foldable and see through displays, like we saw earlier, are thanks to this technology.

Given the possibility of sensor integration, it can also engage with audiences.

Advanced technologies like cloud, ML & AI integrated with the displays are able to create the virtual concierge that we saw earlier.

Here is a handy graph that summarizes these display technologies.

Value propositions of various display technologies. Source: IDTechEx

E-paper, of course, being in a separate segment, and as explained earlier is not included in the comparison, but is an interesting technology in itself.

So that sums up an overview of the latest trends that we see in display signages and the host of features and possibilities that it opens up.

As a result of this, I see many interesting applications of digital signages and digital displays, that will make their way through and affect industries like consumer, retail, advertising, hospitality, and more.

After all, looking fundamentally, effective communication and engagement with customers across industries will lead to a higher output.

It’s an exciting road ahead in the digital signage and digital display space and I, for one, can’t wait to experiment on prototypes and build products using these new technologies!

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