Research firm International Data Corporation estimates that Australia and New Zealand will spend more than $85 billion on technology in 2023. While much of the focus is on things like artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, consumer-grade technology also has enormous potential to transform industries.
Take display technology, which has been used in creative ways by many industries to drive greater value. This technology has evolved rapidly during the past decade as the demand for bigger screens, higher resolution and user interactivity increased.
Many organisations are using displays to entertain, engage and educate their audiences, while some are making them a critical point of differentiation that drives memorable consumer experiences. Here are three industry applications where display technology is driving transformative value:
1. Taking omnichannel to the next level in retail
Australians and New Zealanders love in-person experiences, but their retail journeys often start online. That’s driving the need for strong omni-channel experiences that are consistent and recognisable, in line with brand fundamentals.
Australia was recently recognised as a global leader in omnichannel consumer experiences. The NewStore report found omnichannel development is happening everywhere, becoming more standardised post-pandemic.
Retailers such as JB Hi-Fi are increasingly using large digital displays and interactive screens to bring omnichannel strategies to life, marking more of a convergence between online and in-person shopping. They’re using screens to create dynamic product showcases in windows to attract people to stores, complemented by high-resolution digital signage in-store to show off products and prices.
Display technology also supports a new wave of in-store advertising, allowing retailers to monetise physical store spaces. That’s transforming multi-brand retail spaces into valuable advertising real estate, attracting brands that wish to reach consumers directly in a retail environment.
2. Creating unique, interactive education experiences
The education sector is embracing display technology to enhance student learning experiences, with an emphasis on simplicity and interactivity. Schools aspire to create fully digital learning ecosystems that foster collaboration, giving teachers the versatility to develop bespoke lesson plans that best fit the needs of individual students.
Solutions like touchscreen whiteboards extend digital learning capabilities into classrooms, allowing educators to develop cohesive and dynamic curriculums. As schools face the realities of teacher shortages, these digital whiteboards intuitively display previous lesson content, making it easy for substitute teachers to pick up the work. They’re also vendor and solution-agnostic, so teachers can use the software and systems that work best for them.
Schools are also using screens to build out modern, multifunctional common spaces that can be used dynamically for various purposes. These investments include advanced LED display technology in sporting facilities and big halls that can be transformed for different events such as sports, assemblies, and parent-teacher meetings.
3. Bringing live sport to life with ‘pub theatre’ technology in hospitality
Australians and New Zealanders increasingly demand bigger screens for the content they love. While 40- to 50-inch screens were once acceptable, many in the region invested in their home theatre setup over the pandemic, and now 75- and even 85-inch displays are preferred.
With major sporting events on the horizon – including Australia hosting the Rugby World Cup in 2027 and the Brisbane Olympics in 2032 – it’s critical that pubs and clubs provide experiences that wow guests and draw large crowds for an immersive atmosphere.
High-definition, large screens and superior audio systems replicate the excitement of live events, making these venues a compelling alternative to home viewing.
Building industry-changing experiences
Display technology is having a profound impact on many other industries beyond retail, education, and hospitality. They serve as a key intermediary between the physical and digital worlds, providing an incredible array of valuable opportunities to explore.
While every approach must be tailored to specific business strategies and consumer needs, we’ll continue to see more organisations across every industry use them in creative ways to build truly unique experiences.