What's the Difference Between Digital Signage and Kiosks?
While interactive digital signage software has continued to increase in popularity in recent years, there still seems to be a perceived grey area in terms of specifically defining much of the industry-related technologies. Two of the more conventional forms of digital content management software (CMS) out there are digital signage and kiosks.
While these two forms of interactive displays and software share a number of similarities in how they’re utilized, they both have their own specifications and advantages to take into account when considering which one works best for your company’s CMS and wayfinding software needs.
To get a better understanding of each of their distinct benefits, uses, similarities and differences, let’s take a look at examining the variances of digital signage and kiosks.
Display Vs. Interaction
Arguably the biggest purpose of digital signage is to inform and entertain, while the primary uses for a kiosk station are to occupy and interact with. That’s not to say that both forms of digital CMS don’t share the same qualities, but at their core functionalities, digital signage is intended to be a more prominent use for displaying, whereas kiosks aim to be interactive.
This is where it’s important to consider the space either digital signage or a kiosk would occupy, before contemplating which CMS resource is best suited for the location. Whether it’s a hospital waiting room or a restaurant bathroom, every specific location warrants their own opportunities to get the most out of investing in either digital signage or kiosk stations.
If you’re in need of CMS technology to occupy an area of high foot traffic, then digital signage is most likely the best option, as a means to display information or advertisements that people can admire or focus on while on foot. If it’s a place that demands engagement, such as the lobby of a movie theater, kiosks can serve as suitable alternative ticket-purchasing resources for customers.
Influence Vs. Engagement
Another primary distinction between digital signage and kiosks is harnessing the ability to influence or engage. Digital signage can make it easy to exhibit your brand to an audience, by promoting original and engrossing content that informs the reader on any specifications for your business or company. Kiosks generally need to be occupied in order to be utilized.
Whether it’s to check-in for a patient visit at a hospital or review any flight itinerary at an airport, the return on investment with any kiosk station depends heavily on user engagement and accessibility.
Common uses for digital signage tend to include:
● Advertisements and sponsorships
● Patient check-in updates or waiting times
● Custom video content
● Current news and events
● Relevant announcements or information updates
● Digital menu boards
● Building directories or navigational maps
● User generated content
● Emergency notifications
Meanwhile, kiosk technologies can generally be used for:
● Self-service check-in or purchases
● Visitor registration or sign-in
● Self check-out
● Ticket information and printing
● Map directories
● FAQ or personal assistance
As you can see, the general qualities of digital signage tends to incorporate more influential and informative engagement, whereas kiosk stations are more prone to physical or cognitive engagement.
Flexibility Vs. Functionality
A key difference of both digital signage and kiosk stations tends to be their general sizing capabilities and mobility features. Digital signage options usually have more flexibility when it comes to finding various shapes, sizes, and weights of technology devices to accommodate their location.
Kiosk stations, on the other hand, usually weigh more, are bulkier, and are relatively limited in their mobile capabilities. Digital signage can quickly be replaced or moved around in the event of any interior design or structural changes, while kiosks are more long-term investments, intended to remain in one place for years to come.
Interactive Digital Signage Software Solutions for Your Company
Every company in every industry has different needs when it comes to informing, engaging, and entertaining their customers and target audiences. If you’re interested in how interactive digital signage software can benefit your business, Oppna Digital is here to help!
Contact us today to request a demo on what our digital signage and wayfinding software services can do for your company, or give us a call at 651-237-5677 to speak directly with one of our digital signage experts.