Interactive digital signage is revolutionising the way businesses connect with customers. Instead of passively displaying content, interactive screens encourage people to engage, whether that be through touch, mobile devices, or motion sensors. This shift is more than just a technological upgrade; it’s a way to make customer experiences more memorable, personalised, and valuable.
Whether you’re in retail, hospitality, education, or corporate spaces, interactive digital signage can drive deeper engagement, encourage feedback, and even boost sales. Below, we’ll explore the main types of interactive displays, practical use cases, and the hardware you’ll need to get started.
Types of Interactive Displays
There are several types of interactive displays that your business can use to capture attention and drive engagement. The correct choice depends on your goals, environment, and audience.
- Touchscreens: The most common form of interactive signage. Customers can browse menus, search for information, or interact with product selectors using simple taps and swipes.
- Gesture-based displays: These allow interaction without physical contact, often through sensors or cameras. They’re ideal for environments where hygiene is crucial, such as healthcare facilities.
- Mobile-enabled displays: Some interactive digital signage integrates with customers’ smartphones. Scanning a QR code or tapping an RFID tag can trigger personalised offers or open digital surveys.
- Voice-activated displays: By integrating voice recognition, users can interact hands-free, much like using a smart speaker. This is gaining traction in airports and public spaces and can be a great accessible option.
Each type of interactive display has unique strengths, but all share the same goal: creating a two-way conversation between the business and its audience.
Use Cases
Interactive digital signage works across various industries, from retail stores and restaurants to universities and airports. Below are three powerful examples of how it can be used.
Retail product selectors
Retailers are increasingly turning to product selectors to enhance in-store shopping. Instead of relying solely on staff, customers can use interactive displays to explore ranges, filter by features, and compare products instantly.
For example, a large department store might allow shoppers to browse by size, colour, or price on a touchscreen kiosk. A cosmetics retailer could use interactive signage to let customers input their skin type and receive tailored product recommendations. These experiences not only guide purchasing decisions but also encourage upselling by suggesting related products.
Interactive maps
Interactive maps are a popular form of digital wayfinding, especially in large venues such as shopping malls, campuses, and hospitals. Visitors can touch a screen to search for a store, department, or room, then receive clear directions.
This improves the customer journey by reducing frustration and saving time. Some systems even allow QR codes to be scanned so users can continue navigation on their mobile devices. For organisations, this means fewer missed appointments, better visitor satisfaction, and improved flow of foot traffic.
Digital surveys
Capturing feedback is critical for any business, and interactive digital signage makes it simple. Digital surveys can be embedded into kiosks or checkout screens, prompting customers to share their thoughts in real time.
For instance, a hotel might ask guests to rate their stay on a touchscreen in the lobby. A retail chain could use surveys to track customer experience and satisfaction across multiple locations. Because surveys are quick and easy to complete, businesses often see higher response rates compared to traditional paper forms or email requests.
Hardware Requirements
Getting interactive digital signage right requires more than just a display. The hardware setup needs to support fast, reliable, and engaging experiences. Here are the essentials:
- Commercial-grade screens: Designed for continuous use, these displays can handle high levels of interaction without overheating or wearing out quickly.
- Touch overlays or sensors: For touchscreens, overlays or built-in sensors enable accurate user interaction. For gesture-based displays, cameras and motion detectors are required.
- Media players: A robust media player powers the content, ensuring smooth performance whether users are browsing a catalogue or completing a survey.
- Mounting solutions: Stands, kiosks, or wall mounts need to be sturdy and user-friendly, especially in high-traffic areas.
- Connectivity: Reliable Wi-Fi or Ethernet connections ensure real-time updates, such as pulling live stock data or syncing survey results.
- Optional extras: Depending on the project, you may also need peripherals like printers (for vouchers),RFID readers, or a device that can scan a QR code (Available on most smartphones)
By investing in the right hardware, businesses can deliver seamless interactive experiences that reflect their brand and keep users engaged.
Final Thoughts
Interactive digital signage is no longer a novelty; it’s becoming an expectation. Customers want control, convenience, and personalisation, and interactive displays provide all three. From retail product selectors to interactive maps and digital surveys, businesses can deliver experiences that stand out while also gathering valuable insights.
With the right combination of hardware and creative content, interactive digital signage can become one of the most powerful engagement tools in your strategy. It doesn’t just display information; it invites customers to connect with your brand in meaningful ways.
