The Millennial generation, which is made up of those born between 1981 and 1996, is often regarded as the most technologically-savvy generation. However, those born in the generations that preceded theirs, including Gen X and Boomers, have demonstrated steady growth in the rate at which they’re adopting all forms of technology—especially over the course of the past decade.
As modern consumers, students, tourists, visitors, and drivers across all generations are all increasing the rate with which they adopt and utilize technology in their everyday lives, the stores, restaurants, schools, towns, and offices that they visit on a regular basis are finding more ways to implement those different technologies into their daily offerings and operations as well. One of the most common ways in which they are doing so is through the use of digital signage solutions.
While the term “digital signage” can evoke a variety of different images in ones mind—from large format outdoor installations to smaller scale product-focused installations in a retail store or restaurant—most digital signage installations feature a crisp, brightly-lit screen with user-friendly and engaging on-screen content, and a durable structure. Of course, this hasn’t always been the case. Introduced in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the first digital signage solutions merely displayed content from DVD and VHS media players and looked far different from how they do now.
Despite the fact that the main purpose of a digital signage solution—to improve the user experience and increase user engagement—has remained relatively consistent over the past few decades, the appearance, durability, and functionality of the solutions have and will likely continue to evolve over the decades to come.
Appearance
Flexible in design, digital signage solutions come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including freestanding, wall-mounted, and even countertop style structures. Digital signage solutions can also be designed to incorporate numerous different components—including screens both large and small. While large format digital signage is especially popular in the outdoor digital signage market, larger screens are making their way into more indoor installations as well. Not only do larger screens offer an enhanced appearance, they also provide room to share more content. As digital signage deployers, and their audiences, continue to place more value on the visual appeal and experience afforded by digital signage solutions, we can expect their popularity to continue to grow.
Durability
While, in some cases, digital signage installations are only temporary, most are installed for permanent use throughout the foreseeable future. When it comes to the overall quality of a self-service solution, the materials used to create the final product play a significant role in its longevity and durability over time. As such, the use and importance of high quality, durable materials and processes—like cold rolled steel, shatter resistant glass, powder coat finish, and lexan laminated graphics—will continue to remain a priority in the years to come.
Functionality
Designed to serve a variety of use cases, including providing education, sharing information, and driving traffic and sales across industries of all kinds, digital signage solutions are available in both interactive and static formats. Similarly, many now offer additional features such as multi-language support, internet connectivity, printing, and VoIP capabilities. As the use cases for digital signage continues to grow, the functionality and features of the solutions will likely follow suit.
From real estate offices to quick serve restaurants, corporate offices, hotels, and everything in between, businesses and organizations of all kinds are finding ways to incorporate digital signage solutions into their everyday operations to improve the user experience and increase engagement. As their presence across industries continues to grow, digital signage solutions will continue to evolve.
This article first appeared in the 2020 Digital Signage Today Future Trends Report.