Digital signage may conjure a mental picture of fancy billboards with scrolling headlines along the highway. While digital out of home (DOOH) advertising like this is very much on the rise, this dynamic technology is evolving for more personalized applications. From corporate meetings to classrooms, interactive digital displays are being used in smaller spaces for a wider variety of uses.

What is it?

Interactive digital displays look like a mounted TV or small-scale billboard, but function like a combination of a tablet and whiteboard. This two minute demonstration of Sharp’s AQUOS BOARD provides a detailed explanation of the capabilities and functionality you should expect.

Displays like the AQUOS BOARD are part of the evolution of open architecture interactive whiteboard offerings. Increasingly available in smaller, more agile sizes, you have complete control over customizing its configuration. These displays function within your existing IT parameters, compatible with new software applications and file-sharing networks. Your IT partner will be able to direct you to the best fit for both your current system and your future needs.

Why do I need it?

The applications for systems like the AQUOS BOARD are limited only by your imagination. Moreover, employees and customers alike expect interactive and immediate access to information.

Millennials the tech-savvy generation born between the early 1980s and 2000   are entering the workforce in record numbers. They are an important consumer segment, identified by being active, immersed in social media, and completely connected to technology. To meet the needs and expectations of this group, corporate offices, college campuses and retail sites are being redesigned with open spaces and collaborative environments. Digital displays are central in these redesigns.

Businesses are embracing this shift for good reason. Interactive displays can drive more immediate and efficient team collaboration, which saves time and money. They have also become a cornerstone for customer service and promotion. Your message has a better chance of standing out in the crowd with a dynamic visual display. Content can be customized and updated easily and frequently, which means your printing and display expenses shrink over the long term.

How should I use it?

With the smaller sizes of the AQUOS BOARD recently introduced, potential business applications expand.

The massive DOOH boards have evolved to corporate or educational "huddle space" interactive displays. Because Millennial employees enjoy teamwork and collaboration, the huddle room style of working is rapidly spreading. Imagine your conference room as more of a family room with an interactive display board front and center.

Advertising and promotion can happen in real-time for maximum engagement via an interactive display. For example, with a display in your lobby or waiting room, customers can provide immediate feedback on services or interact with your social accounts or website. You can encourage people to leave positive reviews for your business on Yelp or Google (an increasingly important way customers choose your business) or to “check in” to your location on social media.

Interactive signage displays are also prevalent in educational environments. Digital screens can be used not only to keep the campuses connected and to help classes collaborate on projects, but also to inform visitors and students of essential programs.

Whether you're encouraging teamwork, promoting your business, or providing a service to customers, interactive digital signage is a trend that's here to stay. Your IT partner can help you determine the accurate sizing, placement, and software system integration that will be meet your needs and your budget.

Call or email Dan Heimler, Sales Director at University Office Technologies at 734-434-5900 to engage your SE Michigan business' audience in a new way, driving sales and productivity.