Tag: Digital Signage

  • Touch Tables for Digital Content Engagement

    Touch tables are quietly reshaping our engagement with digital content. Our interactions with them are growing steadily, in spaces like malls, classrooms, offices and smart homes.
    Let’s discover key features, different types, industrial uses of touch tables, practical tips and setup guide, and sustainability focused innovations in touch tables.

    In this Article

    What are Touch Tables?

    Touch tables are large interactive display screens embedded on furniture like structures. In simple words, it’s like a giant horizontal tablet. People can interact with its digital content by touch, gestures (e.g. swipe, zoom in/out), or using devices like digital pen, NFC/RFID tags, printed stickers, custom blocks or transparent tokens.

    Typically, responsive software power touch tables. They work using touchscreen technologies involving infrared, optical sensors, and/or AI. The result is a smooth touch experience to users. Touch tables connect to other devices via bluetooth, USB, HDMI, or to the internet via WiFi or ethernet port.

    Touch Table Features & Capabilities 

    • Multi-user Interaction:
      Several people can use a touch table at once. That makes it perfect for work collaborations.
    • Object Recognition:
      Advanced touch tables can detect and respond to physical items placed on them.
    • Customizable user-interface(UI):
      You can customize touch tables based on different context and user preferences. E.g: Classrooms, Malls, Museums.
    • Durability & Aesthetics:
      Touch tables are functional, durable, and look stylish too. 

    Types of Touch Tables

    Based on the purpose of use, there are different kinds of touch tables: 

    1. Coffee Touch Tables:

    • Ideal for leisure rooms, retail shops and smart homes. 
    • Users can play digital games, read magazines, watch TV, browse menus and order food.
    • Small tables with display size 21”-55”.

    2. Educational Touch Tables:

    • Best fit for classrooms, libraries, museums. 
    • Available in sizes 43”-86”, different colors. 
    • They can run long hours under high traffic usage.

    3. Corporate/Meeting Room Touch Tables:

    • Suited for professional environments. 
    • Used to display company profiles, do presentations, collaborative works, training. 
    • Available in sizes 55”-86”. 

    4. Retail & Trade show Touch Tables:

    • Use case- Interactive digital catalogs in trade shows
    • Come with custom graphics that can be modified to fit a specific use or theme.
    • Come in sizes 55”-500”. 

    5. Entertainment and Self Service Touch Tables:

    • Found in places like hotels, gaming lounges, theatres.
    • Displays size 21”-85”, Customizable tables.
    • Display media, interactive games.
    • Offer self services and payment systems. E.g. Self-service device at movie halls.

    6. Wayfinder Touch Tables:

    • Meant for large public spaces.
    • Displays digital maps to guide people to a particular spot within the large area. 
    • E.g. In a mall, you can spot your favorite store on the touch table; In a university complex, you put your roll number into the table, and find your exam hall.
    • Table display size 75”-85”.

    Industrial Uses of Touch Tables

    1. Retail Sector-

    Retail touch tables give realistic shopping experiences using technologies like AI and augmented reality (AR).
    Example: Touch table platforms like Modiface, Modelia offer customers virtual product try-ons. Here shoppers can see how a product (e.g. clothing, eyewear, cosmetics) would look on them, according to their body type, skin tone and facial features.

    2. Education Sector-

    Education-focused touch tables offer an immersive learning experience. They adapt to the students’ development level and learning style. Content may be games, challenges, stories etc. Here, several users learn and work together. 

    3. Hospitality Sector-

    Hospitality touch tables aim to boost hotels’ operational efficiency, reduce customer wait times, and add personalization.
    E.g, Touch table for ordering food, digital concierge at hotels. Guests can browse menus, place orders and make payments. Digital concierge gives updated info about local events, hotel facilities, services etc.

    4. Real Estate-

    Potential property users can use real estate touch tables to compare properties virtually. Using the interactive maps on the tables, they can take a virtual tour, view, zoom in/out of properties and their neighborhoods.

    5. Museums-

    Museum touch tables make history, science and art an immersive experience. The visitors can interact with digital content like historical timelines, multimedia stories or 3D reconstructions.

    Irrespective of the industry, touch tables make digital content more engaging. They help users understand the content better, interact with it, and at times, enjoy “wow” moments!

    Before setting up your Touch Table..

    We learned about capabilities of touch tables, and how industries use them to attract and engage potential customers with their promotional digital content. Now, let’s explore practical aspects, if you decide to install a touch table.
    Here are some things to keep in mind before buying any touch table:

    • The Purpose:
      Think about exactly how and where you would use the touch table in your office. This helps you ensure it fits your needs.
    • Software Compatibility:
      Make sure the software running the touch table is optimized for mobile apps, and large-format touch interactions.
    • Size & Ergonomics:
      Select a table with size and design fitting to your available space. Plus ensure that it makes user interactions comfortable.
    • Display Quality:
      Look for a high-resolution, multi-touch screen with good brightness and responsiveness.
    • Hardware Reliability:
      Buy a well-built, durable system from a reputable manufacturer.
    • Connectivity & Integration:
      Check for necessary ports, and it supports wireless connections.
    • Customization & Scalability:
      Analyze customization options, and support for your future expansion plans.
    • Support & Warranty:
      Select a vendor that offers reliable post-purchase support, training, and solid warranty.

    Tip

    It’s best not to rely on mobile apps or generic web tech that aren’t designed for touch tables.

    How to set up a Touch Table

    Here is a step-by-step guide for you to set up a touch table in your office or smart home to meet your needs:

    1. Choose a suitable location-

      Select a spacious, accessible area in your office space or home that has power outlets nearby, and minimal glare.

    2. Unbox the product carefully-

      Open the package, lay out all components and check for any damage or missing parts.

    3. Read the user manual-

      Review the manufacturer’s instructions, and understand the assembly sequence and safety notes.

    4. Gather tools and assemble the frame-

      Follow the manual and build your table base using tools like screwdrivers, Allen keys. Ensure all joints are secure and stable.

    5. Mount the display-

      Attach the touch screen to the frame, align properly and secure it with fasteners.

    6. Connect power and data-

      Plug in power cables, and connect relevant data ports(e.g: USB, HDMI, Ethernet).

    7. Install the software-

      Load the operating system and other applications for the setup by configuring settings as needed.

    8. Test the functionalities-

      Switch on the touch table. Test its touch responsiveness, display quality and app performance.

    9. Secure and clean the table surface-

      Sort out the cables, and secure your touch table. Finish by cleaning the table surface for a polished look. 

    There you go, your touch table is all set for the show time! Go ahead and attract people to your digital content. Let them engage with your interactive table seamlessly.

    Sustainability Focus in Touch Tables

    These days touch tables aren’t just smart, they’re becoming more sustainability focused. Many models now have eco-friendly features. Some of them are:

    • Touch tables with low-power displays are ideal for long hour operations. E.g: Touch tables in museums, malls.
    • Modular upgrade designs come with replaceable parts. This enables you to easily replace a faulty component without discarding the entire unit. This approach minimizes electronic waste.
    • Touch table integration with eco-aware systems like smart lighting, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) controls, floor heating, humidity and air quality.

    Final Thoughts

    Looking at the big picture, touch tables are transforming the way we consume digital content today. These interactive tables attract people’s attention, invite them to lean in, and elevate their experience from passive viewing to active engagement.
    They bring new opportunities for content creators, educators, entrepreneurs in several industries.

    Thinking of buying a touch table? Discover how they elevate digital content engagement, learning and businesses. Explore their features, uses, setup guide and tips before you install one.

  • Digital signage platform Yodeck: Review

    Digital signage platform Yodeck: Review

    In our everyday fast-paced world, effective communication is key to engaging audiences and driving results. Communication changes with time, season and it is challenging to convey the same communication across all places. Digital signage platform Yodeck, is one of the leaders in digital signage solutions in the market now. 

    In this article

    Digital signage solutions

    Let’s first look at what digital signages are. They are electronic versions of signages businesses use to convey information in public and private spaces. Digital signages display multimedia content like video, image and text. Businesses use them for disseminating information, mainly for advertising and brand promotion.

    A digital signage solution includes a hardware device like LED, LCD projection screen and a content management platform. Yodeck’s content management software platform for digital signage solutions is one of the leaders in the market now. 

    Let’s learn more and see how it can add value to your business promotion and mass communication.

    Key features of digital signage platform Yodeck

    1. Media versatility

    Media content comes in different formats- image, audio, video or document. Yodeck’s software supports all of these media formats. You can easily display web pages, YouTube videos and live streams by using it.

    2. High-Resolution support

    Media content comes in various resolutions like full-HD, 4K/UHD etc. The Yodeck media player supports all types of standard media resolutions. In short, your advertisements will look stunning on any screen. 

    3. Customizable media playlists

    Yodeck creates customizable media playlists with drag-and-drop functionality. You can customize your playlist based on tags, or go for an interactive playlist based on audience engagement. 

    You can play a loop of advertisements. When a new ad comes up, you can just upload it to the loop, and it’s up and running.

    4. Large Apps Library

    Yodeck platform offers a large, yet budget-friendly apps library. Their free subscription plan itself offers more than 80 apps in its library. They also offer extensive integration options.

    5. Plug & Play setup

    You don’t always need a computer to manage your digital signage solution. Along with its software platform, Yodeck offers a media player device which is optional. Your don’t need the media player if you:

    • Have smart TV for your digital displays
    • Don’t use display devices

    In case you want the media player along with the software, the company offers Yodeck Raspberry Pi 4 player as a plug-and-play device. It comes pre-configured for WiFi. You can set it up easily with your office network. Plus, screen layout templates and apps help you to quick-start your media display.

    6. Cloud-based management

    A challenge in digital displays is remote management of content. Yodeck’s intuitive scheduling and screen control features allow you to monitor and manage thousands of screens remotely. It also turns off screens during off-hours. That helps you save power and extend the screen life of your media.

    User-friendliness of Yodeck

    Yodeck offers an intuitive user interface(UI). Even non-technical users can use and manage the platform easily. The following aspects improve its ease-of use. 

    • Simpler navigation:
      A clean dashboard, and customizable media player makes your content scheduling super easy. 
    • Customizable widgets:
      A variety of pre-built widgets for flexible and dynamic content creation.
    • Remote management:
      Yodeck’s cloud-based management enables you to control media displays at multiple locations from a central office.

    Yodeck user subscription plans

    Yodeck digital signage software offers free and paid subscription plans for users. 

    • Yodeck Basic Plan(Free):
      • This free plan has more than 80 apps in its library, customizable layouts and interactive kiosk support for your media uploads. 
      • Useful for small businesses using a single screen for media displays.
    • Yodeck Premium Plan:
      This plan adds Microsoft apps, dashboard integrations (like PoweBI), advanced scheduling and playback report. 
    • Yodeck Enterprise Plan:
      • It enables additional options like workplace hierarchy, custom user roles and SSO (single sign on) integration. 
      • Has security features like IP restriction and audit logs. 

    Price

    Yodeck platform offers a free trial option. Generally, the prices are competitive. Check the latest price here.

    Useful tip before buying digital signage solution

    While doing your market research, you may come across several digital display solutions. One thing about them is that the majority are very brand-focused. Meaning, when you buy a digital signage solution, you need to buy both hardware and software from the same brand. For example, if you buy Samsung digital signage software, then you can only use MagicInfo hardware to run it. There is little flexibility. 

    In that respect, Yodeck’s platform is vendor-neutral. You can use it with a variety of digital signage hardware options. Thus, Yodeck offers you flexibility if your business uses different hardware brands at different display locations.

    Final Thoughts

    Digital signage platform Yodeck, with its robust features and user-friendly user interface(UI), has become one of the top choices for businesses. Its media versatility and high resolution support enables your marketing team to add multiple types of media, with varying resolutions, to the toolkit. It offers user-friendly navigation, and easy media scheduling with a customizable media player. Cloud-based accessibility of Yodeck enables you to remotely control multiple digital displays from a central location. This software platform is compatible with several digital signage hardware available in the market.

    From product ads in retail stores, to displaying announcements in corporate offices, Yodeck’s digital signage platform caters to diverse needs. It can efficiently promote your business via captivating digital displays of your communication messages.

    What is your experience with the product? Drop a comment below.