Marketers and digital signage network operators have been looking for a better way to engage viewers, and the answer is interactive.
Here are just some of the ways your business can benefit from using interactive digital signage software:
Today’s interactive digital signage is the “silent salesperson”
Traditional, non-interactive digital signage is a great promotional tool, but you must use interactive signage to experience its true potential.
Even the best-staffed stores benefit from interactive digital signage. There’s always a time when a customer needs assistance, and there’s no one in sight. Strategically positioned touchscreens can bring instant answers to most customer inquiries, even when there are no salespeople around.
- Displays equipped with bar code scanners provide accurate price information right at the point of decision.
- Products that have complex features or that require technical expertise benefit from interactive digital signage. Product categories like body care, electronics, fitness equipment furniture, major appliances, power tools, and many others all gain from quick and easy access to useful and timely information.
- Self-check-out systems rely on interactive digital signage features to keep shoppers informed and improve check-out efficiency. Promotions, credit policies, and other store announcements are automatically pushed to check-out screens, helping store staff provide better service.
Everyone benefits from interactive digital signage, from big-ticket items to luxury goods retailers.
With interactive digital signage, customers and staff members can access any type of information at the point of decision. It’s an effective and proven technology that increases sales, enhances customer experiences, and improves the bottom line.
Touchscreens
The first and most common interactive digital signage experience is touch screen digital signage. Think of wayfinding screens installed in shopping malls and public spaces. Often, people will install interactive tablets which are another great option for deploying touch screen digital signage.
The most popular type of interactive content is written in HTML5 and when this type of content is displayed using QL Player, all interactivity is retained. QL Player will display HTML5 content natively so there is no need to convert it to another format. When QL Content Manager users publish this content, they can choose to transfer all required files to each device ensuring the content will play flawlessly even if there is an issue with the local internet connection.
Smartphone Interactivity
The second application relates to people who interact with digital screens using a smartphone. This could be an employee who modifies a screen’s programming or launches sales support content on-demand. Think of a salesperson showing a video of a product that isn’t available in-store to a potential customer. In this case, interactivity becomes a key component of the retail store’s multichannel marketing strategy.
There are other examples, such as a store’s merchandising manager who modifies a store’s digital signage content mix to respond to competitive pressures or market conditions. Human resource staff may use interactivity for corporate communications. They can trigger training videos and company information on corporate digital signage screens when on boarding a new employee.
Quick-service restaurant workers can modify prices, add product photos, and edit menu items on the restaurant’s digital menu boards using a smartphone. It’s important to note all of these applications are fully supported by every QL version with no add-ons required.
Lift and Learn
The third application is called “lift and learn” and is used in many retail displays. When shoppers interact with a product, let’s say they pick up a smartphone or other electronic device. A nearby digital signage screen will stop playing its programmed content and show the device’s technical specifications.
Each time the person picks a different product, the information automatically changes on the screen. This way the shopper can make a better-informed purchase decision without the assistance of a salesperson. QL supports this type of application on Windows PCs and Android devices, like Navori’s STiX 3700 media player.
The fourth application of interactive digital signage uses a combination of artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision technology, like Navori’s AQUAJI, to send information about the audience to each media player in real-time. The information can include the number of people looking at the digital signage screen, their demographic makeup, the time spent by each person in a given area, the time spent waiting, and what audience members can see within their field of vision. Our interactive display software will adapt each screen’s programming based on this information so the information shown on-screen is always be optimized for the audience.
By combining QL and AQUAJI you customize your screen content based on the audience’s age, gender, time spent within a specific area, or time spent waiting. This ensures you will never show the same content twice.
Navori QL APIs
Grab viewer’s attention with “attract loops” that contain useful information, calls to action and advertising content. As soon as someone interacts with the interactive digital display, the loop is interrupted and the desired digital content loads. This could be an HTML5-based app or any QL-managed digital signage content, such as a video or a template. Once there is no more interaction, the QL Player resumes the scheduled playlist and waits for further activity.
It’s important to note interactivity doesn’t always require touch screen displays. Learn more about the QL APIs.
Manage and trigger digital signage content across multiple screens using templates, HTML5 apps and third-party software.
Grab viewer’s attention with “attract loops” that contain useful information, calls to action and advertising content. As soon as someone interacts with the display, the loop is interrupted and the desired digital content loads. This could be an HTML5-based app or any QL-managed digital signage content, such as a video or a template. Once there is no more interaction, the QL Player resumes the scheduled playlist and waits for further activity.
It’s important to note interactivity doesn’t always require touch screen displays.
QL can trigger content using many inputs, and interact using:
- Motion and gesture-detecting sensors
- RFID or iBeacon based on proximity
- Voice recognition
- Computer Vision (AI-based facial recognition solutions)
- QL Mobile app from a mobile device (like a smartphone or tablet)
- When someone pushes a USB button
You can’t talk about interactive digital signage software without mentioning interactive wayfinders and touch screen digital signage software. The basic hardware components for modern wayfinding are accessible and affordable. You need a touch-enabled display with a PC or Android-based media player connected to it. The real secret is the digital signage content. Wayfinding can be anything from an interactive and searchable information directory with a flat 2D map or a 3D map with integrated video playback walking you through your route.
Other Hardware Inputs
Grab viewer’s attention with “attract loops” that contain useful information, calls to action and motion and gesture-detecting sensors, RFID or iBeacon based on proximity, voice recognition or when someone pushes a USB hardware button.
When diving into the realm of interactive digital signage software, it would be remiss not to delve into the captivating world of interactive wayfinders. The fundamental hardware components necessary for contemporary wayfinding experiences are not only readily available but also remarkably affordable. Picture this: a touch screen digital signage display flawlessly synchronized with a PC or Android-based media player. But, my friend, here’s where the magic truly lies, in the realm of digital signage content.
Wayfinding transforms into an enchanting journey, offering a cornucopia of possibilities. It could manifest as a captivating interactive information directory, complete with a seamlessly flat 2D map. Alternatively, brace yourself for an exhilarating adventure with a cutting-edge 3D map accompanied by captivating video playback, guiding you every step of the way. Prepare to be spellbound.
Overall, it’s clear that interactive digital signage has a lot to offer businesses of all sizes. With more and more people choosing to shop online instead of in-store, it can be challenging for businesses to attract customers and keep them engaged.
Touch screen digital signage is one way we can help you do this; it encourages the customer to engage with your product or service by providing information that they might not have known before visiting your store. This ensures they have a great experience while they’re there—and hopefully leaves them wanting more! As long as you choose wisely when choosing what type of interactive display would work best for your business needs, there are many benefits waiting for us all.
If you have any questions about QL powered interactive Digital Signage solutions, Contact Us today!
