Advertising and branding is commonly associated with the use of outdoor screens but outdoor digital signage is not the only use for using a modern flat screen display in an outdoor location; indeed, providing public information is by far the most common use of outdoor displays.
From railway stations, bus stops and high street kiosks to screens used in outdoor locations in schools, hospitals and other public buildings – using digital screens to provide information is becoming increasingly popular, especially when aiming information at younger people.
Because young people are so used to modern digital technology they are often unresponsive to traditional methods of providing information which is why so many campaigns aimed at younger people are being implemented on outdoor screens.
As an example, alcohol awareness charity Drinkaware has just launched a £5 million advertising campaign aimed at reducing binge drinking amongst young people. The charity, aware of the need to engage with the young people, is planning to use digital screens and outdoor digital signage as a main part of their campaign.
And charities are not the only ones that are using digital screens and outdoor digital signage to communicate with young people.
Plenty of schools and colleges now use screens as a replacement for the trusty old notice boards. These organisations are finding that the young people take far more regard to the digital screens compared to other communication methods with the added advantage that the flexible and versatile medium offers, such as:
- Enabling content to be uploaded instantly
- Remote uploading of content allowing all screens to display critical information
- Timed content
This has advantages for other industries that need to pass on information too. With the real time abilities of digital signage and the scheduling capabilities it has been really advantageous for the transport sector.
Railway and bus companies can use outdoor digital signage to provide timetable information as well as giving passengers up-to-date information on delays and cancellations whilst they wait outside for their bus or train.
