Digital signage has been around for many years, in no small part because of its versatility and effectiveness in conveying messages and information. This technology has evolved significantly over the years, and we’re now witnessing some exciting developments that are shaping the future of digital signage. With these latest trends and developments in technology, digital signage is poised to become even more ubiquitous and impactful in our lives. The future of digital signage is bright.
The Rise of Interactive Displays
Interactive displays have the ability to provide a more engaging and personalized experience for viewers, and can also provide valuable data on user behavior and preferences. As technology continues to evolve, interactive displays will become even more advanced. For example, touchless interfaces using gestures or voice commands will become more common, as they offer a more hygienic and user-friendly experience. Another example is the option to display content in multiple languages.
The versatility of interactive displays means that they can be used in a wide range of settings. In retail environments, interactive displays can be used to provide product information and recommendations, as well as facilitate transactions. In public spaces, interactive displays can be used to provide wayfinding information and enhance the overall visitor experience.
With technical advancements and prices continuing to fall, interactive displays will become more ubiquitous and require less investment in technology and infrastructure. The creation of simpler interactive design tools also means that content will be cheaper and easier to create for touchscreens of all shapes and sizes.
Another trend in the future of interactive displays is the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Pairing touchscreens with AI will offer more personalized and relevant content to viewers.
The Use of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the digital signage industry. In the future, AI will play an increasingly important role in shaping the way that digital signage is used and perceived, moving it from a mass communications tool toward a more targeted messaging system that delivers increasingly personalized content.
One of the main benefits of AI in digital signage is the ability to provide personalized and relevant content to viewers. By analyzing data on user behavior and preferences, AI algorithms can tailor content to the individual viewer, increasing engagement and effectiveness. For example, a digital signage display in a store can use AI to analyze a customer’s past purchases and browsing history to suggest products that may be of interest. Digital signs combined with cameras can quickly create a realtime customer or visitor persona, adjusting and fine-tuning it as the individual interacts with the display.
Another way that AI is transforming digital signage is through the use of real-time data analysis. By analyzing data on factors such as weather, traffic and foot traffic, AI can adjust the content displayed on digital signage in real-time. For example, a digital signage display at a bus stop can use AI to adjust the displayed content based on the current weather conditions and expected bus arrival times.
AI can also be used to optimize the placement of content on digital signage displays. By analyzing data on factors such as foot traffic and user behavior, AI can determine the most effective placement for content on screen and how long it should play. This can help increase effectiveness, ultimately leading to higher engagement for viewers and revenue for retailers.
In the future, AI will also play a role in the development of new technologies for digital signage. For example, AI-powered chatbots could be used to provide real-time customer service on digital signs, enhancing the user experience and providing valuable data on customer interactions.
The rise of AI will transform the digital signage industry along with every industry that uses digital signs. By providing personalized and relevant content, adjusting content in real-time and optimizing content playback, AI will increase engagement and the effectiveness of digital signage displays. Most likely, AI’s role will continue to grow, and this technology will play a vital role in shaping the way that digital signage is used and perceived.
The Growth of Mobile Digital Signage
In the future, the design and display of digital signage content on mobile devices is set to become even more important. As mobile devices continue to become more prevalent, businesses and organizations will need to ensure that their digital signage content is optimized for mobile viewing.
One of the key considerations when designing and displaying content on mobile devices is the need for responsive design. This ensures that content is displayed correctly on a range of devices, from smartphones to tablets to laptops, automatically adjusting to different screen sizes. This is essential for creating a seamless and engaging user experience, regardless of the device being used.
Another important consideration when designing and displaying content on mobile devices is the need for visual clarity and simplicity. With smaller screens to display communications, mobile devices require a more streamlined approach to content design. This means focusing on clear, concise messaging and using eye-catching visuals to capture the attention of viewers. Many designers already use a mobile-first approach to visual communications.
As digital signage systems adapt to a more mobile world and the introduction of AI, content management systems could offer options for reformatting or repurposing content in a variety of formats. For example, instead of creating three designs of a message – one for large screens, one for mobile and one for social media – AI will adapt the basic design to fit each of those communication methods.
The Rise of 5G
5G technology is set to transform the digital signage industry. With faster download and upload speeds, lower latency and increased connectivity, 5G will enable new and innovative uses of digital signs and the content that goes on them.
One of the main benefits of 5G for digital signage is the ability to transmit high-quality content in real-time. With faster download speeds, businesses can stream high-quality video content stored in the cloud on their digital signage displays, instead of having to upload and schedule videos in a CMS. For example, a sports bar could use 5G to stream live sporting events in HD on their digital signage displays, creating an immersive experience for customers.
Another benefit of 5G is the ability to deploy and manage large-scale digital signage networks more efficiently. With increased connectivity, businesses can easily deploy and manage digital signage displays across multiple locations, creating a cohesive and consistent brand experience. For example, a retail chain could use 5G to deploy digital signage displays across all their locations, updating content in real-time to reflect promotions and offers throughout the day.
The Use of Augmented Reality
5G will also enable the use of new technologies like Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual reality (VR), creating immersive and interactive experiences for viewers. One of the key benefits of AR and VR for digital signage is the ability to create highly engaging and memorable experiences.
AR and AR experiences can be streamed seamlessly on 5G networks, creating new opportunities for engagement with viewers. For example, a car dealership could use AR to provide an interactive experience for customers viewing their inventory on a digital signage display, allowing people to sort of “take a test drive” before actually taking a test drive.
AR and VR technologies can be used to create interactive displays that allow viewers to explore products, locations, or information in a more immersive and engaging way. For example, a museum could use AR to provide visitors with interactive exhibits that bring historical events to life.
Another benefit of AR and VR for digital signage is the ability to create personalized immersive experiences for viewers. By using data and analytics, businesses can create AR and VR experiences that are tailored to the interests and preferences of individual viewers. This can help to increase engagement and create more meaningful interactions with customers.
In the future, the integration of AR and VR technologies into digital signage is set to transform the way that businesses and organizations engage with customers. By creating more immersive and interactive experiences, businesses can increase engagement, build brand loyalty and provide a more memorable experience for customers.
The Internet of Things
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the network of physical devices, vehicles and other items embedded with sensors, software and connectivity, which allows them to connect and exchange data, often without any prompting by a human being. This means that in the future, digital signage content could be triggered by realtime events, versus being scheduled in advance, creating more intelligent and responsive displays.
For example, a digital sign in a retail store could use IoT sensors to detect the number of customers in the store and adjust the messaging accordingly. If there are more customers in the store, the sign could display promotions and offers to entice them to make a purchase, or automatically display space usage quotas if those are in effect.
One of the key benefits of digital signage in an IoT environment is the ability to display real-time data and analytics. By integrating digital signage with sensors and other IoT devices, businesses and organizations can display up-to-the-minute information about occupancy levels, weather conditions and other important data. This can help to improve efficiency, reduce costs and enhance the user experience.
In the future, the integration of digital signage with IoT is set to become even more sophisticated. As IoT technology becomes more advanced and more devices become connected, and AI is used to make decisions of what to show and when, businesses will have even more opportunities to create intelligent and responsive messaging without user intervention.
The Growth of Smart Cities
As more and more cities and buildings become “smart”, digital signage will play a critical role in facilitating communication and enhancing the user experience. Digital signs will increasingly be used outside of buildings as well as inside them.
Smart buildings are characterized by their integration of technology to enhance functionality and efficiency. One key aspect of this is the use of digital signage to display important information and messaging. For example, digital signage can be used to display occupancy levels, room schedules and energy usage data, helping to improve building efficiency and reduce costs.
Smart cities, on the other hand, are characterized by their use of technology to improve the quality of life for citizens. Digital signage can play a key role in smart cities by facilitating communication and providing access to important information. For example, digital signage can be used to display public transit schedules, emergency alerts and local news, helping to keep citizens informed and engaged.
As technology becomes more advanced, digital signage will become even more integrated into the fabric of buildings and cities. For example, digital signage may be used to display real-time traffic updates, weather forecasts and air quality data, helping to keep citizens informed and safe.
As buildings and cities become “smarter”, integrating advanced technologies such as AI, IoT and real-time data analytics, digital signage will play an increasingly important role in facilitating communication and enhancing the audience experience. By providing personalized messaging, real-time data and engaging content, digital signage can help improve efficiency, reduce costs and enhance quality of life for citizens.
Continued Evolution
These are just some of the trends that are shaping the future of digital signage. As technology continues to evolve, digital signage will become even more powerful and effective, and businesses that embrace these technologies early will be well-positioned to succeed in the years to come. By understanding the latest trends and developments, and how they may affect digital signage in the years to come, businesses can start reimagining the future of their own communications.